The Spectacle Returns: The 2026 ESPY Awards Hit NYC
The world of sports is gearing up for its most glamorous night of the year. The 2026 ESPY Awards are officially here, bringing together an elite roster of legendary athletes and global entertainers in the heart of New York City. This star-studded event celebrates the peak of athletic achievement, resilience, and impact from the past year.
Returning to the Big Apple for the first time since 2021, the ceremony will take place at the prestigious David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, moving away from the previous Los Angeles setting at The Dolby Theatre to embrace the electric energy of NYC.
A Heart of Gold: Stephen Curry’s Humanitarian Honor
Before the main event kicks off, the spotlight shone brightly on Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry. Curry was honored with the prestigious Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award, a recognition of his profound impact off the court.
Speaking with “Good Morning America,” Curry described the moment as “super surreal,” highlighting the work of the Eat Learn Play foundation. Together with his wife, Ayesha, Curry has spent seven years creating tangible change in Oakland, proving that his legacy extends far beyond three-pointers and championships.
How to Watch the 2026 ESPYS Live
Don’t miss a single moment of the action! Whether you are looking for a traditional broadcast or a digital stream, here is how you can tune in:
- Date: Wednesday, July 15
- Time: 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT
- Live Broadcast: ABC
- Live Streaming: ESPN+ via the ESPN app
- On-Demand Access: Available the next day on Hulu, Disney+, the ESPN App, and ABC Video on Demand
Leading the festivities this year is comedian Marcello Hernández, who steps in as host for the first time, promising a night of humor and high energy.
The Heavy Hitters: Key Nominees to Watch
The 2026 nominee list is packed with generational talents and surprising newcomers. Here are the athletes most likely to take home the hardware:
The Men’s Powerhouses
- Jalen Brunson: After leading the New York Knicks to their first championship since 1973, Brunson is a triple-threat nominee for Best Athlete (Men’s Sports), Best Championship Performance, and Best NBA Player.
- Shohei Ohtani: The Dodgers sensation continues to defy logic. Ohtani is nominated in three categories, including Best MLB Player—a title he has dominated for five consecutive years.
- Myles Garrett: After a historic 23-sack season in 2025, the Rams defensive end is eyeing the Best NFL Player award, which would be a rare feat for a defensive player.
The Queens of Sport
- A’ja Wilson: Following a historic 2025 season where she swept MVP and scoring titles, Wilson is once again contending for Best Athlete (Women’s Sports).
- Mikaela Shiffrin: The alpine skiing legend, the first to reach 100 FIS World Cup victories, is also seeking her second win in the women’s athlete category.
Team Excellence and Rising Stars
It’s not just about individual glory. The Best Team category features powerhouses like the Las Vegas Aces, Los Angeles Dodgers, and the New York Knicks. Special attention is on the Texas Longhorns Softball team, who are chasing their first ESPY after winning back-to-back Women’s College World Series titles.
Keep an eye out for first-time nominees such as Bam Adebayo, Macklin Celebrini, and Hannah Hidalgo, as they look to make their mark on sports history tonight.
