The 2026 ESPYS
The The 2026 ESPYS presented by Capital One honored Jalen Brunson, Myles Garrett, Alysa Liu, Fernando Mendoza, Shohei Ohtani, A’ja Wilson, the New York Knicks & more
Hosted by Marcello Hernández, the awards show featured appearances from The Savannah Bananas, Simone Biles, Stephen Curry, Allyson Felix, Will Ferrell, Kevin Hart, DJ Khaled, Tracey Morgan, Jayson Tatum, Lindsey Vonn, and more
On Wednesday evening, an elite lineup of athletes and Hollywood stars gathered at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City to celebrate the year’s best moments in sports at The 2026 ESPYS Presented by Capital One. The show, which aired live on ABC and streamed on the ESPN App in pattern with ABC airings across time zones, was hosted by comedian, actor, writer and producer Marcello Hernández, who became the first Latino host of the ESPYS in 25 years.
Jalen Brunson, Myles Garrett, Alysa Liu, Fernando Mendoza, Shohei Ohtani, A’ja Wilson, and the New York Knicks took home some of the biggest awards of the evening. The show featured appearances by The Savannah Bananas, Simone Biles, Stephen Curry, Allyson Felix, Will Ferrell, Kevin Hart, DJ Khaled, Tracey Morgan, Jayson Tatum, Lindsey Vonn, and more.
Each year, The ESPYS recognizes individuals in the sports world who have demonstrated admirable strength and bravery in the face of adversity with three marquee awards: the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage, the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance, and the Pat Tillman Award for Service.
The late Jason Collins was posthumously honored with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage for his impact on LGBTQ+ visibility in professional athletics. The award is given to a deserving member of the sports world who has made a difference beyond the field of play by fighting for what they believe in, ultimately impacting people worldwide. Jarron Collins accepted the award from former Arthur Ashe Awards recipient Robin Roberts on behalf of his late twin brother, Jason. He said, “The courage [Jason] showed, the way he moved in this world made him a trailblazer,” and capped off his speech by adding that he had never been prouder of Jason than in that very moment.
Former Major League Baseball pitcher Jim Abbott received the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance for his extraordinary 10-year career and his lifelong impact as a symbol of resilience. Born without a right hand, Abbott did more than defy expectations; he changed the way the sports world viewed perseverance, disability, and what was possible. After accepting the award from Justin Verlander, Abbott said, “It’s important to have focus on what’s been given rather than what’s taken away, to believe in who you are in the face of great competition, in the face of great challenge. What you bring to the table is the most important thing.”
Pat McAfee and Eli Heidenreich presented U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Scott Ruskan with the Pat Tillman Award for Service, an award given to a person with a strong connection to sports who has served others in a way that echoes the legacy of the former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman. In his first-ever rescue mission, at Camp Mystic, on July 4, 2025, Ruskan was the only trained responder on site for three hours – he set up triage, organized safe zones and comforted trapped children, a selfless act of voluntary grounding that directly enabled 165 rescues on a tragic day that claimed 28 lives. In his acceptance speech, he thanked all the heroes who were on the ground that day, including the campers themselves, camp counselors, pilots, Army, Air National Guard, rescue task force team and more.
The music-filled celebration came to life through a special partnership with Mass Appeal, inspired by the ‘Legend Has It’ campaign honoring the trailblazers who helped define Hip Hop. The show featured performances from the iconic DJ Premier, who was spinning throughout the night, hip-hop royalty De La Soul, critically acclaimed rapper Ghostface Killah, and the legendary Slick Rick. Additional performances from multi-Grammy-nominated artist Fat Joe, and global baseball phenomenon the Savannah Bananas, rounded out the night.
During the telecast, Kevin Negandhi presented the Capital One Cup to the University of Texas Women’s and University of Michigan’s Men’s athletic programs. Awarded annually based on overall success across all Division I sports, the Capital One Cup honors the nation’s top men’s and women’s collegiate athletic programs, with each school receiving $250,000 toward their student-athlete scholarship funds.
Additional presenters included Folarin Balogun, Eileen Gu, Tiffany Haddish, Chloe Kim, French Montana, Mike Tyson, and more. Attendees included Bam Adebayo, Karl-Anthony Towns, Billie Jean King, Hilary Knight, Oz Pearlman, and more.
The 2026 ESPYS Presented by Capital One will also be available to stream on Thursday, July 16, on Disney+, Hulu, the ESPN App, and ABC Video on Demand.
The ESPYS helps raise awareness and funds for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, the charity founded by ESPN and the late basketball coach Jim Valvano at the first ESPYS in 1993. ESPN has helped raise more than $292 million for the V Foundation over the past 30+ years. For more information, go to V.org.
COMPLETE LIST OF THE 2026 ESPYS WINNERS
Best Athlete – Men’s Sports – Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
Best Athlete – Women’s Sports – A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
Best Breakthrough Athlete – Alysa Liu, Figure Skating
Best Record-Breaking Performance – Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns – broke Michael Strahan’s sack record (22.5)
Best Championship Performance – Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
Best Comeback Athlete – Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers
Best Play – OG Anunoby’s Tip-In – NBA Finals (6/10/26)
Best Team – New York Knicks, NBA
Best Single-Game Performance – Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers – pitched six scoreless innings, struck out 10 batters and hit three home runs
Best College Athlete, Men’s Sports – Fernando Mendoza, Indiana Football
Best College Athlete, Women’s Sports – Lauren Betts, UCLA Basketball
Best Athlete With a Disability – Declan Farmer, Para Hockey
Best NFL Player – Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns
Best MLB Player – Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers
Best NHL Player – Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
Best NBA Player – Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
Best WNBA Player – A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
Best Driver – Lando Norris, F1
Best Fighter – Terence Crawford, Boxing
Best Soccer Player – Lionel Messi, Inter Miami CF
Best Golfer – Scottie Scheffler
Best Tennis Player – Carlos Alcaraz
Best Tunnel Fit – Lewis Hamilton
Best Sports Card – Macklin Celebrini
Best Celebration – UCLA Women’s Basketball
SPECIAL AWARDS
Arthur Ashe Award for Courage: Jason Collins
Jimmy V Award for Perseverance: Jim Abbott
Pat Tillman Award for Service: Scott Ruskan
SPORTS HUMANITARIAN AWARDS
Sports Philanthropist of the Year Honoree: Laurie Tisch
Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award Honoree: Jeffrey Lurie
Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award: Stephen Curry
Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year: Baltimore Ravens
Corporate Community Impact Award: Jersey Mike’s
Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award: Julia Howe, Kelis Armstrong, and Sam Phillips
More information on The 2026 ESPYS can be found in the official press kit. Photos can be found on ESPN Images.
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About The ESPYS
The 2026 ESPYS Presented by Capital One will air live from the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT on ABC. The show will also stream on ESPN+ on the ESPN App in pattern with ABC airings across time zones and be available to stream the next day on Disney+, Hulu, the ESPN App, and ABC Video on Demand. Top celebrities from sports and entertainment will come together to commemorate the past year in sports by recognizing major athletic achievements, reliving unforgettable moments, and saluting the leading performers and performances. The ESPYS help to raise awareness and funds for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, the charity founded by ESPN and the late basketball coach Jim Valvano at the first ESPYS back in 1993. ESPN has helped raise more than $292 million for the V Foundation over the past 30+ years. The ESPYS are produced by ESPN, Full Day Productions and Fanatics Studios. Follow The 2026 ESPYS on X/Twitter @ESPYS.
About the V Foundation for Cancer Research
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach and ESPN commentator. The V Foundation has funded over $458 million in game-changing cancer research grants nationwide through a competitive process strictly supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee. Because the V Foundation has an endowment to cover administrative expenses, 100% of direct donations are awarded to cancer research and programs. The V team is committed to accelerating Victory Over Cancer®. To learn more, visit v.org.
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The Best Style Moments From The 2026 ESPY Awards
From Ayesha Curry and Jordyn Woods dripping in jewels to Simone Biles’ flirtatious lashes, here are all the best style moments from the ESPYs red carpet.
KEVIN MAZUR/GETTY IMAGES FOR W+P
Karl-Anthony Towns
KARL-ANTHONY TOWNS AT THE 2026 ESPYS HELD AT THE DAVID H. KOCH THEATER AT LINCOLN SQUARE ON JULY 15, 2026 IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK. (PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER POLK/DEADLINE VIA GETTY IMAGES)
Jordyn Woods
JORDYN WOODS AT THE 2026 ESPYS HELD AT THE DAVID H. KOCH THEATER AT LINCOLN SQUARE ON JULY 15, 2026 IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK. (PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER POLK/DEADLINE VIA GETTY IMAGES)
Jalen Brunson and Ali Marks
JALEN BRUNSON AND ALI MARKS AT THE 2026 ESPYS HELD AT THE DAVID H. KOCH THEATER AT LINCOLN SQUARE ON JULY 15, 2026 IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK. (PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER POLK/DEADLINE VIA GETTY IMAGES)
Russell Wilson
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 15: RUSSELL WILSON ATTENDS THE 2026 ESPY AWARDS AT DAVID H. KOCH THEATER AT LINCOLN CENTER ON JULY 15, 2026 IN NEW YORK CITY. (PHOTO BY MIKE COPPOLA/GETTY IMAGES)
Jonathan Owens
JONATHAN OWENS AT THE 2026 ESPYS HELD AT THE DAVID H. KOCH THEATER AT LINCOLN SQUARE ON JULY 15, 2026 IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK. (PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER POLK/DEADLINE VIA GETTY IMAGES)
Simone Biles
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 15: SIMONE BILES ATTENDS THE 2026 ESPY AWARDS AT DAVID H. KOCH THEATER AT LINCOLN CENTER ON JULY 15, 2026 IN NEW YORK CITY. (PHOTO BY THEO WARGO/WIREIMAGE)
Cameron Jordan
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 15: CAMERON JORDAN ATTENDS THE 2026 ESPY AWARDS AT DAVID H. KOCH THEATER AT LINCOLN CENTER ON JULY 15, 2026 IN NEW YORK CITY. (PHOTO BY MIKE COPPOLA/GETTY IMAGES)
Steph Curry
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 15: STEPH CURRY ATTENDS THE 2026 ESPY AWARDS AT DAVID H. KOCH THEATER, LINCOLN CENTER ON JULY 15, 2026 IN NEW YORK CITY. (PHOTO BY THESTEWARTOFNY/WIREIMAGE)
Ayesha Curry
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 15: AYESHA CURRY ATTENDS THE 2026 ESPY AWARDS AT THE DAVID H. KOCH THEATER AT LINCOLN CENTER ON JULY 15, 2026 IN NEW YORK CITY. (PHOTO BY TAYLOR HILL/GETTY IMAGES)
French Montana
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 15: FRENCH MONTANA ATTENDS THE 2026 ESPY AWARDS AT DAVID H. KOCH THEATER AT LINCOLN CENTER ON JULY 15, 2026 IN NEW YORK CITY. (PHOTO BY MIKE COPPOLA/GETTY IMAGES)
Myles Garrett
MYLES GARRETT AT THE 2026 ESPYS HELD AT THE DAVID H. KOCH THEATER AT LINCOLN SQUARE ON JULY 15, 2026 IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK. (PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER POLK/DEADLINE VIA GETTY IMAGES)
Saddiq Bey
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 15: SADDIQ BEY ATTENDS THE 2026 ESPY AWARDS AT DAVID H. KOCH THEATER AT LINCOLN CENTER ON JULY 15, 2026 IN NEW YORK CITY. (PHOTO BY MIKE COPPOLA/GETTY IMAGES)
Monica McNutt
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 15: MONICA MCNUTT ATTENDS THE 2026 ESPY AWARDS AT THE DAVID H. KOCH THEATER AT LINCOLN CENTER ON JULY 15, 2026 IN NEW YORK CITY. (PHOTO BY TAYLOR HILL/GETTY IMAGES)
Kevin Hart
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 15: KEVIN HART ATTENDS THE 2026 ESPY AWARDS AT DAVID H. KOCH THEATER AT LINCOLN CENTER ON JULY 15, 2026 IN NEW YORK CITY. (PHOTO BY THEO WARGO/WIREIMAGE)
Jayson Tatum
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 15: JAYSON TATUM ATTENDS THE 2026 ESPY AWARDS AT DAVID H. KOCH THEATER AT LINCOLN CENTER ON JULY 15, 2026 IN NEW YORK CITY. (PHOTO BY MIKE COPPOLA/GETTY IMAGES)
Will Anderson Jr.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 15: WILL ANDERSON JR. ATTENDS THE 2026 ESPY AWARDS AT DAVID H. KOCH THEATER AT LINCOLN CENTER ON JULY 15, 2026 IN NEW YORK CITY. (PHOTO BY ARTURO HOLMES/FILMMAGIC)
Miles u0022Deuceu0022 McBride
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 15: MILES U0022DEUCEU0022 MCBRIDE ATTENDS THE 2026 ESPY AWARDS AT DAVID H. KOCH THEATER AT LINCOLN CENTER ON JULY 15, 2026 IN NEW YORK CITY. (PHOTO BY ARTURO HOLMES/FILMMAGIC)
Ghostface Killah
GHOSTFACE KILLAH AT THE 2026 ESPYS HELD AT THE DAVID H. KOCH THEATER AT LINCOLN SQUARE ON JULY 15, 2026 IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK. (PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER POLK/DEADLINE VIA GETTY IMAGES)
Chiney Ogwumike
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 15: CHINEY OGWUMIKE ATTENDS THE 2026 ESPY AWARDS AT THE DAVID H. KOCH THEATER AT LINCOLN CENTER ON JULY 15, 2026 IN NEW YORK CITY. (PHOTO BY TAYLOR HILL/GETTY IMAGES)
Max B
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 15: MAX B ATTENDS THE 2026 ESPY AWARDS AT DAVID H. KOCH THEATER AT LINCOLN CENTER ON JULY 15, 2026 IN NEW YORK CITY. (PHOTO BY ARTURO HOLMES/FILMMAGIC)
Folarin Balogun
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 15: FOLARIN BALOGUN ATTENDS THE 2026 ESPY AWARDS AT DAVID H. KOCH THEATER AT LINCOLN CENTER ON JULY 15, 2026 IN NEW YORK CITY. (PHOTO BY MIKE COPPOLA/GETTY IMAGES)
Mike Tyson
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 15: MIKE TYSON ATTENDS THE 2026 ESPY AWARDS AT DAVID H. KOCH THEATER AT LINCOLN CENTER ON JULY 15, 2026 IN NEW YORK CITY. (PHOTO BY MIKE COPPOLA/GETTY IMAGES)
Damar Hamlin
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 15: DAMAR HAMLIN ATTENDS THE 2026 ESPY AWARDS AT DAVID H. KOCH THEATER, LINCOLN CENTER ON JULY 15, 2026 IN NEW YORK CITY. (PHOTO BY THESTEWARTOFNY/WIREIMAGE)
Jordan Clarkson
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 15: JORDAN CLARKSON ATTENDS THE 2026 ESPY AWARDS AT DAVID H. KOCH THEATER, LINCOLN CENTER ON JULY 15, 2026 IN NEW YORK CITY. (PHOTO BY THESTEWARTOFNY/WIREIMAGE)
Tracy Morgan
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 15: TRACY MORGAN (L) ATTENDS THE 2026 ESPY AWARDS AT DAVID H. KOCH THEATER, LINCOLN CENTER ON JULY 15, 2026 IN NEW YORK CITY. (PHOTO BY THESTEWARTOFNY/WIREIMAGE)
Titus O’Neil
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 15: TITUS O’NEIL ATTENDS THE 2026 ESPY AWARDS AT DAVID H. KOCH THEATER, LINCOLN CENTER ON JULY 15, 2026 IN NEW YORK CITY. (PHOTO BY THESTEWARTOFNY/WIREIMAGE)
Dwight Howard
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 15: DWIGHT HOWARD ATTENDS THE 2026 ESPY AWARDS AT THE DAVID H. KOCH THEATER AT LINCOLN CENTER ON JULY 15, 2026 IN NEW YORK CITY. (PHOTO BY TAYLOR HILL/GETTY IMAGES)
Dj Khaled, Nicole Tuck, Asahd Tuck Khaled and Aalam Khaled
US DJ AND MUSIC PRODUCER DJ KHALED, HIS WIFE NICOLE TUCK AND THEIR CHILDREN ASAHD TUCK KHALED AND AALAM KHALED ATTEND THE 2026 ESPY AWARDS AT THE DAVID H. KOCH THEATER AT LINCOLN CENTER IN NEW YORK ON JULY 15, 2026. (PHOTO BY ANGELA WEISS / AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES)
SOURCE: https://www.essence.com/beauty/the-best-style-moments-from-the-2026-espy-awards/
