The Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina 2026 are set to get a major dose of playful charm. To celebrate the grand opening of its first-ever Home of Skating on February 7th, the International Skating Union (ISU) is partnering with a surprising guest: Labubu, the globally adored collectible character from Pop Mart.
Making her very first appearance in Europe, Labubu will officially join ISU President Jae Youl Kim and dignitaries for the landmark opening. The collaboration is a fitting one, coinciding with Labubu’s own 10-year anniversary, which will be celebrated through a series of special appearances and activations throughout the Games.
“The Home of Skating will showcase our sports’ artistic spirit and expression,” said ISU President Jae Youl Kim. “Who better embodies those values than the free-spirited and individual Labubu? This collaboration will bring a fresh, creative energy to the space.”
The new venue is designed as a central hub for athletes, guests, and partners during the Olympics, highlighting the dual nature of skating as a pinnacle of athletic precision and a powerful form of creative expression—a perfect alignment with Labubu’s spirit of originality and emotional storytelling.
While the venue itself will not be open to the public, the ISU plans to share exclusive content from the Home of Skating—featuring Labubu’s unique cameo—across its official digital channels.
The move signals a growing trend of cultural crossovers at major sporting events, blending athletic prestige with contemporary fan culture. For collectors and skating fans alike, it’s a memorable moment where sport, joy, and creativity meet on the ice.
Source: ISU
