Summary (tl;dr)

Comedian and "Saturday Night Live" star Marcello Hernández is trending as he has been announced as the host of the 2026 ESPY Awards, which will mark the ceremony's return to New York City after over two decades in Los Angeles.

Essential Background

The ESPY Awards, which stands for Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly, is an annual awards ceremony created and broadcast by ESPN, honoring individual and team athletic achievements and other sports-related performances. For the past 25 years, the event has primarily been held in Los Angeles, after its initial run in New York City from 1993 to 1999. The ESPYS also serve as a fundraiser for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, established by ESPN and the late basketball coach Jim Valvano.

The Full Story

Marcello Hernández, a rising star known for his work on "Saturday Night Live," will host the 2026 ESPY Awards on July 15, 2026. This announcement has generated significant buzz, not only for Hernández's growing popularity but also because the ceremony will be held at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City, marking its first time back in the city since 1999. Hernández, who joined SNL in 2022 and recently released his debut Netflix special "American Boy," expressed his excitement about hosting the event in New York, a city significant to his comedy journey. ESPN Vice President and ESPYS Executive Producer Craig Lazarus highlighted Hernández's genuine enthusiasm for sports and his ties to New York City as key reasons for his selection.

Why It Matters

Marcello Hernández's selection as host is significant for several reasons. As a young, electric comedian and one of SNL's breakout stars, his hosting role is expected to bring a fresh perspective and vibrant energy to the awards, continuing a trend of diverse and engaging hosts. His background as a collegiate soccer player and an avid sports fan also makes him a natural fit for the event, resonating with a broad audience interested in both sports and entertainment. Furthermore, the return of the ESPYS to New York City after a long tenure in Los Angeles is a notable shift, reconnecting the event with its historical roots and potentially drawing a new dynamic to the live broadcast.

Geographic Location

• David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center, New York City, New York, United States (location of the 2026 ESPY Awards)