Key Dates & Deadlines

Important marketing dates and deadlines to know when building your Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics 2026 campaign. We’ll add Paralympics deadlines when they are available.

  1. Get Started Now
    Secure your athletes and launch your campaign as soon as possible. Campaigns must be live before the blackout period and run continuously during the Games.

  2. December 19th, 2025
    Deadline to notify the IOC of any planned multi-territory advertising.

  3. Before the Blackout
    Submit U.S. campaigns to USOPC for Rule 40/AR approval.

  4. January 30th, 2026
    The Olympic Games begin with the opening of the Olympic Village.

  5. January 30th – February 24th, 2026
    The "Rule 40 blackout window" is in effect during the Olympic Games Period.

New for 2026

For Milano Cortina, the USOPC has relaxed one of the most rigid requirements from past Games. If the campaign will only be run in the US, brands are no longer required to launch 90 days before the Opening Ceremony.

Instead, the focus is on continuity and compliance: Campaigns must launch early enough to show they are ongoing before and during the blackout period.

For marketers, while it's still important to start early and maintain momentum, this shift creates more breathing room to build authentic, athlete-led campaigns. Translation for marketers: We recommend partnering as early as you can to reap the benefits of follower growth and fan trust.

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Strategies for Milano Cortina 2026

Effective campaigns for the Winter Games move in three phases: build anticipation before the blackout, stay compliant during the Games, and keep momentum long after the flame goes out.

Contact us to build your Milan marketing plan