The 2026-27 International Skating Union Grand Prix series begins this weekend with the Grand Prix de France in Angers, drawing an impressive field of top figure skaters aiming for a spot in December’s Grand Prix Final in Chongqing, China. The event, running from October 23 to 25, will feature some of the sport’s leading names across six disciplines, with competition broadcast live on Peacock and highlights on NBC and NBCSN.
While Olympic champion Alyssa Liu is sitting out this season, American fans can still catch rising and established skaters like Jacob Sanchez, Jimmy Ma, Christina Carreira, Anthony Ponomarenko, and Sarah Everhardt on the ice. The Grand Prix de France kicks off the six-event series that will continue through November with stops in Canada, China, the United States, Finland, and Japan.
The schedule begins Friday with the rhythm dance at noon Eastern Time, followed by the women’s short program at 1:50 p.m., both available live on Peacock. Saturday’s competition starts early with the men’s short program at 6:30 a.m. and continues with the free dance, pairs’ short, and women’s free skate, all streamed live on Peacock. NBC will air an encore presentation of Saturday’s highlights at 4 p.m., which will also be available on Fubo, with additional coverage on NBCSN and Peacock later that evening. Sunday wraps up with pairs’ free skate at 6:30 a.m., followed by the men’s free skate at 8 a.m., airing on NBCSN and Peacock. The weekend concludes with an exhibition gala at 2:30 p.m. on Peacock.
The Grand Prix circuit tests skaters across two events each, with points awarded to determine who qualifies for the Grand Prix Final. Athletes face a demanding schedule balancing training and competition as the season intensifies. The series includes Skate Canada International in Kelowna (October 30 to November 1), Cup of China in Shenzhen (November 6 to 8), Skate America in Everett, Washington (November 13 to 15), Finlandia Trophy in Helsinki (November 20 to 22), and NHK Trophy in Tokyo (November 27 to 29).
Peacock offers full live coverage of the event, while Fubo provides a free trial for new subscribers, streaming NBC, ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, and over 100 sports channels. This makes the Grand Prix de France accessible to a wide audience eager to watch the world’s best figure skaters compete.
The early return of skaters like Sanchez and Ma will be watched closely, as their performances in Angers could set the tone for their seasons. The absence of Liu opens space for other American women to make an impression, with Carreira and Everhardt among those ready to step up. Pairs and ice dance will also draw attention, with Anthony Ponomarenko and his partner expected to deliver solid routines after past successes.
The Grand Prix de France in Angers opens the international figure skating season with a packed lineup and strong television coverage, offering fans a chance to follow the sport as it unfolds across continents in the coming weeks.
According to Yahoo Sports.
