Summary (tl;dr)

The 2026 ESPY Awards are generating significant buzz as the ceremony approaches on July 15, 2026, with comedian Marcello Hernández set to host the star-studded event in New York City, celebrating top athletic achievements from the past year.

Essential Background

The ESPY Awards, short for Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards, are an annual American awards show produced by ESPN since 1993, designed to recognize individual and team athletic accomplishments and other sports-related performances. Often dubbed the "Oscars of sports," the ceremony traditionally takes place in July, specifically on the second or third Wednesday, a day after the Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star Game, to ensure major sports figures are available to attend due to the absence of scheduled games in most major North American professional leagues and college sports. Beyond celebrating sports, the ESPYS also serve as a crucial fundraising platform for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, a charity founded by ESPN and the late basketball coach Jim Valvano.

The Full Story

Keywords related to "espys" and "espys 2026" are currently trending due to the impending 2026 ESPY Awards ceremony, scheduled to air live on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and simultaneously stream on the ESPN App. This year's event will be held at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City, marking a return to the city where the awards originated. Comedian Marcello Hernández has been announced as the host for the 34th annual awards, bringing his signature humor to the stage.

Nominations for the 2026 ESPYS were announced in early July, with fan voting currently underway. Prominent nominees include Jalen Brunson, Lionel Messi, Shohei Ohtani, Matthew Stafford, Hilary Knight, Nelly Korda, Mikaela Shiffrin, and A'ja Wilson across various categories. The Las Vegas Aces, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Knicks are among the teams nominated for Best Team. Additionally, special honorary awards will be presented, with Jason Collins posthumously receiving the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage, Jim Abbott the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance, and Scott Ruskan the Pat Tillman Award for Service. The move back to New York City is reportedly part of a partnership with Fanatics Fest, a multi-day sports-themed event at the Javits Center.

Why It Matters

The trending interest in the ESPYS 2026 highlights the public's engagement with major sporting achievements and the cultural impact of athletes. The awards provide a national platform to recognize extraordinary talent and inspiring stories across various sports, from professional leagues to collegiate competitions. The event's return to New York City for the first time in years, alongside a reported partnership with Fanatics Fest, could signal a renewed focus or expanded reach for the ceremony, potentially drawing in even broader audiences. Beyond the glamour of athletic recognition, the ESPYS play a critical role in supporting the V Foundation for Cancer Research, having helped raise over $292 million for cancer research over the past three decades, making the event a significant charitable endeavor as well as a celebration of sports.

Geographic Location

• David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, New York City, New York, United States (main awards ceremony)
• Javits Center, New York City, New York, United States (reported partnership with Fanatics Fest)