When To Tune In For This Year’s Olympics Main Events: The Only Schedule That Actually Matters

Happy Olympics Day, y’all! The 2024 Paris Olympics are finally here and whether you’re tuning in because you’re a true sports advocate, or you’re just trying to watch athletes fall in love in the Olympic “Villa” (like me), it’s time to lock in. There are actually a lot of sports included in the 2024 Olympics (32! I can’t even name 32 sports) and if your plan is either to watch them all or catch a specific one, you’re going to want to keep the Olympics schedule at arm’s reach.

The 2024 Summer Olympics begin July 26 and continue through August 11, although a few teams did already start competing July 24 (I don’t make the rules, I just write about them). The opening ceremony is slated to happen on July 26 on the Seine River, and Snoop Dogg (yes, you read that correctly) is going to be carrying the torch for the opening ceremony. So if you weren’t planning on watching before, I would now.

If you’re someone who’s been paying attention, there are probably a few things you want to be on the lookout for, like Katie Ledecky’s first race and the TikTok viral Ilona Maher competing in the Rugby Semifinals and Finals. Oh, and let’s not forget Simone Biles is back to reclaim her gymnastics throne. And there’s a new skateboarding event that’s basically like the X games on steroids (I know, not the best comparison here). Either way, there is much to watch. Feel free to add the Paris Olympic schedule to your Google Calendar*.

Image Credit: Paul Bradbury via Getty Images

* Please note, all times are listed as EST.

What Olympic events should I watch?

Women’s Swimming 200m Freestyle

You can’t miss Katie Ledecky’s first race!!!

July 28 at 5:40am

Women’s Gymnastics Team Final

Watch the US women’s gymnastics team do the beautiful perfect things they do.

July 30 at 12:15pm

Women’s Rugby Semifinals and Finals

Breakout social media icon Ilona Maher will compete with team USA.

July 30 — time is TBD

US Women’s Soccer Team First Match

July 31 at 1pm

Women’s Swimming Team Relay

August 1 at 2:30pm

Women’s Gymnastics Vault Final

August 3 at 10:20am

Women’s 100m Final (Track)

We don’t know for sure yet who will be racing, but it’s likely that Shelly-Anne Fraser-Pryce will be going for her fifth 100m Olympic sprint competing against fan-favorite Sha’carri Richardson.

August 3

Women’s 200m Final (Track)

August 6

Women’s 4x100m relay

August 9

Men & Women’s Breaking Debut

Breakdancing is officially in the Olympics. Do you think Alyson Stoner will compete? Asking for a friend.

Aug 9 & 10 at 10am

Men’s Basketball Gold and Bronze Medal Games

August 10

Women’s Basketball Gold and Bronze Medal Games

August 11

Who are Team USA’s best shots at gold?

Even if you have absolutely no idea about what’s going on in the Olympics, you might want to know about who might be bringing home the gold for the U.S. this year — aka the athletes who are most likely our tickets to the gold (and endless bragging rights). Of course, we have our girl Simone Biles, because honestly she is the GOAT and there’s no denying that. Then we have Katie Ledecky, our swimmer queen who basically owns any pool she dives into. And let’s not forget about Noah Lyles who is a master sprinter.

What are the new events this year?

I honestly couldn’t tell you what sports were part of the Olympics last year, but all I know is that there are some new events this year — and who doesn’t like new things? First, we have breakdancing … yes I’m being serious. We also have sport climbing, which is basically like watching Spider-Man in action IRL.

How can I stream it?

Because missing out on the Olympics means missing out on possible meme-able moments, let’s make sure you’re streaming like a pro. NBC is our BFF for this one, offering full coverage so you can binge-watch all the glory. Peacock’s got your back too, with exclusive streams and everything behind the scenes. For those who can’t be tied down, the NBC Sports app is also an option. Basically, you have zero excuses to miss any of the action, so get your snacks and streaming setup ready.