2026 ESPYS: Who’s Hosting, Attending, and Performing

The 2026 ESPYS will bring together top athletes and entertainment stars in New York City on July 15. The annual award show, hosted by ESPN, celebrates the year’s standout moments across professional sports. This year’s ceremony promises high‑profile appearances and a star‑studded lineup.

Host and Venue

Marcello Hernández, the renowned “Saturday Night Live” comedian, will front the 2026 ESPYS. The event will take place at the David H. Koch Theater inside Lincoln Center, a premier cultural venue in New York. The theater’s setting adds a touch of elegance to the night of honors and performances.

Athletes Expected to Appear

Several NFL stars are slated to attend, including Myles Garrett of the Los Angeles Rams, Shedeur Sanders from the Cleveland Browns, and Fernando Mendoza of the Las Vegas Raiders. The NBA will be represented by Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics), and Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks), who helped the Knicks capture their first championship in 53 years.

A combination of Olympic legends and high‑profile gymnasts will also grace the stage. Simone Biles, Allyson Felix, and Lindsey Vonn are among the medalists expected to make appearances. Vonn’s remarkable comeback story includes surviving a severe leg injury that required surgery to prevent amputation, following a historic Alpine skiing career.

Honoree Spotlight: Jason Collins

Former NBA player Jason Collins will receive the 2026 Arthur Ashe Courage Award posthumously. Collins made history in 2013 as the first openly gay active player in major American professional sports leagues. He passed away on May 12 in Los Angeles at the age of 47, leaving a lasting impact on sports and society.

Musical Performers and Entertainment

The night’s entertainment lineup features hip‑hop veterans Ghostface Killah, Slick Rick, and the iconic group De La Soul. In addition, the novelty act The Savannah Bananas is scheduled to perform, adding a unique flair to the awards ceremony.

How to Watch the Show

Live coverage of the 2026 ESPYS will stream from the David H. Koch Theater on Wednesday, July 15 at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT). The broadcast will air on ABC and be available on ESPN+ for streaming.

The image shows Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks reacting after a crucial three‑point basket in Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center.

Event Details

• Date: Wednesday, July 15
• Time: 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT)
• Location: David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center, New York
• Network: ABC
• Stream: ESPN+

This coverage captures all key information from the original article, highlighting the headline events, attendees, honors, and broadcasting details for the upcoming 2026 ESPYS.