The 2026 ESPYS, an annual celebration of sports excellence, is set to be a star-studded affair, bringing together athletes, entertainers, and celebrities under one roof. This year's event, hosted by ESPN, promises to be a memorable one with a diverse range of guests and performers.
A Night of Sporting Excellence
The ESPYS, an acronym for Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Award, is a prestigious event that recognizes and honors the achievements of athletes across various sports. It's a night where the sporting world comes together to celebrate the year's highlights and pay tribute to those who have made an impact.
Hosting the Event
Comedian and SNL star Marcello Hernández will be hosting the show, bringing his unique brand of humor to the stage. The event will be held at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York, a fitting venue for such a glamorous occasion.
Athletic Presence
The athletic lineup for the ESPYS is impressive, with a mix of NFL and NBA stars. Myles Garrett, the edge rusher for the Los Angeles Rams, will be in attendance, along with Shedeur Sanders and Fernando Mendoza, quarterbacks for the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders, respectively. These athletes will be taking a break from their training camp preparations to grace the ESPYS stage.
The NBA will be well-represented too, with Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics, and Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks in attendance. Brunson, in particular, has a special reason to celebrate, having led the Knicks to their first NBA Championship in over five decades.
Olympic Gold Medalists
The ESPYS will also feature a strong contingent of Olympic gold medalists, including gymnasts Simone Biles and Allyson Felix, as well as Alpine skier Lindsey Vonn. Vonn's presence is particularly inspiring, given her recent injuries and the challenges she has overcome.
Honoring Jason Collins
One of the most significant moments of the night will be the posthumous honoring of former NBA player Jason Collins with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. Collins made history in 2013 as the first openly gay active player in the four major American pro sports leagues. His legacy will be celebrated at this year's ESPYS, a testament to the power of sports to break down barriers.
Musical Performances
The ESPYS will also feature a range of musical performances, adding to the festive atmosphere. Rappers Ghostface Killah and Slick Rick, along with hip-hop group De La Soul, will be taking to the stage. The Savannah Bananas, a musical group known for their unique style, will also perform, adding a touch of fun to the evening.
Tuning In
For those unable to attend in person, the ESPYS will be broadcast live on ABC and streamed on ESPN+. The show will air on Wednesday, July 15, at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT), providing sports enthusiasts with an opportunity to witness this celebration of athletic excellence from the comfort of their homes.
The 2026 ESPYS promises to be an evening filled with inspiring stories, memorable performances, and a celebration of the very best in sports. It's a night that showcases the power of sports to unite, inspire, and entertain, and I, for one, can't wait to tune in and be a part of it.
