The sports world came together on July 15, 2026, as the 2026 ESPY Awards honored the athletes, teams, and inspiring individuals who defined the past year in competition. Hosted by comedian and “Saturday Night Live” cast member Marcello Hernández, this year’s ceremony took place at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City, marking the event’s return to the city where the ESPYs first began more than three decades ago.
The annual awards, presented by ESPN, recognize excellence across professional, collegiate, and Olympic sports while also celebrating perseverance, leadership, and service beyond athletic competition. The evening featured memorable acceptance speeches, emotional tributes, and recognition of outstanding performances that captivated fans throughout the year.
Among the night’s biggest winners was New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson, who earned Best Athlete – Men’s Sports following a remarkable season that culminated in the franchise’s first NBA championship since 1973. Brunson also received Best Championship Performance, recognizing his exceptional leadership and production during the NBA Finals. The Knicks’ championship run was further celebrated as the team took home the Best Team award, highlighting one of the most memorable seasons in franchise history.
On the women’s side, basketball standout A’ja Wilson received Best Athlete – Women’s Sports, continuing her reputation as one of the game’s premier players. Her recognition reflected another outstanding season marked by elite performance, consistency, and leadership on and off the court.
Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu was honored as Best Breakthrough Athlete after an extraordinary comeback that captured international attention. Returning to competition after stepping away from the sport, Liu’s inspiring journey culminated in Olympic success and demonstrated remarkable resilience. Her story became one of the evening’s defining moments, showcasing how determination can lead to remarkable achievements even after significant setbacks.
Several special awards highlighted the broader impact athletes and community leaders continue to make beyond competition. Former Major League Baseball pitcher Jim Abbott received the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance, recognizing his lifelong example of overcoming adversity and inspiring future generations. Former NBA player Jason Collins accepted the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage in recognition of his leadership and commitment to inclusion throughout his career and beyond.
Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry was presented with the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award, honoring his continued philanthropic efforts and community leadership. During his acceptance speech, Curry reflected on the importance of investing in local communities and encouraged others to support the places that helped shape their lives. His remarks resonated with audiences, particularly those familiar with his longstanding commitment to education and youth development initiatives in the Bay Area.
The ceremony also recognized acts of extraordinary public service. Scott Ruskan received the Pat Tillman Award for Service after helping rescue more than 160 people during severe flooding, demonstrating exceptional courage under dangerous conditions. The award continues the ESPYs’ tradition of honoring individuals whose actions extend far beyond the playing field and serve communities during times of crisis.
Beyond the awards themselves, the event attracted many of the biggest names in sports and entertainment. Athletes from professional leagues, Olympic competition, and collegiate programs joined actors, musicians, and television personalities on the red carpet before the ceremony. Presenters included several celebrated sports figures, adding to an evening that blended athletic achievement with entertainment and philanthropy.
For Southern California sports fans, the ESPYs remain especially meaningful despite this year’s move to New York. For nearly two decades, the awards were held in Los Angeles, becoming a signature event on the city’s annual sports calendar. Many of the evening’s winners, including Stephen Curry, and numerous presenters and attendees maintain strong ties to California’s sports community, reinforcing the state’s lasting influence on the national sports landscape.
The 2026 ESPY Awards once again demonstrated that sports are about far more than championships and statistics. While elite athletic performances earned well-deserved recognition, the ceremony also celebrated resilience, service, perseverance, and leadership. Those qualities continue to define the spirit of the ESPYs and remind audiences why sports remain a powerful source of inspiration both on and off the field.
As another year of competition unfolds, the achievements recognized during the 2026 ESPYs will serve as lasting reminders of excellence, determination, and the positive impact athletes and community leaders can have far beyond the final score.
