2026 ESPYS Red Carpet Lights Up New York City

Record‑Setting Nominee List Unveiled

A star‑studded lineup of athletes has been named among this year’s top ESPY nominees, highlighting achievements across multiple disciplines. The list features Jalen Brunson, Myles Garrett, Alysa Liu, Matthew Stafford, Rory McIlroy, Lionel Messi, Shohei Ohtani, Mikaela Shiffrin, Victor Wembanyama and A’ja Wilson. These finalists will compete for honors that recognize the best moments in sports over the past 12 months.

• Jalen Brunson
• Myles Garrett
• Alysa Liu
• Matthew Stafford
• Rory McIlroy
• Lionel Messi
• Shohei Ohtani
• Mikaela Shiffrin
• Victor Wembanyama
• A’ja Wilson

Event Set for Lincoln Center

This year’s ceremony will take place in New York City at the David H. Koch Theater, a venue that adds a touch of classic elegance to the night. Marcello Hernández will serve as the host, guiding viewers through the evening’s highlights. The host’s presence adds another layer of anticipation for fans eager to see who will claim the awards.

Entertainment and Presentations

Music will be provided by a mix of hip‑hop legends and a unique basketball troupe. De La Soul, Ghostface Killah, Slick Rick and the Savannah Bananas will all take the stage, offering a diverse soundtrack for the gala. Meanwhile, Simone Biles, Allyson Felix, Eileen Gu and other athletes will step up to present, blending sports excellence with showmanship.

A related athletic story emerged just before the ceremony, as Suni Lee confirmed she will return to gymnastics competition two years ahead of the Los Angeles Olympics. Her decision adds another exciting chapter to the world of gymnastics and raises expectations for upcoming Olympic cycles.

Red Carpet Highlights

As the evening progressed, the carpet became a parade of personalities. Notable arrivals captured by photographers include Karl‑Anthony Towns and Jordyn Woods, Ana Amelia Batlle Cabral and Marcello Hernández, and Tracy Morgan. Other stars spotted on the floor were Damar Hamlin, Kevin Hart and Russell Wilson, each bringing their own style to the prestigious event.