TIME100 Sports Gala 2026 Honorees Deliver Heartfelt Toasts

The inaugural TIME100 Sports Gala gathered in New York City on July 16 to honor the 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026, a brand‑new list that celebrates athletes, coaches, advocates, and investors. Five distinguished honorees took the stage to raise their glasses, sharing personal stories and heartfelt thanks that underscored how sport shapes lives far beyond the scoreboard. The evening, presented by J.P. Morgan, Toyota, Target, The Macallan, and the American Heart Association, highlighted moments of triumph, resilience, and optimism across multiple disciplines.

Jalen Brunson Celebrates Knicks’ Historic Championship

New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson capped a memorable season by guiding the team to its first NBA championship since 1973, a triumph that ended a 50‑year drought. In his toast, Brunson credited his mother’s “lead with purpose,” his father’s emphasis on preparation, and the support of grandparents, friends, and his wife Ali—whom he called his “source of peace and perspective.” He also mentioned his daughter, noting she reminds him why sports matter “beyond ourselves.”

“They’re the people who celebrate the good memories with me—the good moments—but more importantly, they’re the ones who lift me up when I’m vulnerable, challenge me to be better, and keep me grounded,” he said. Brunson concluded by thanking those who believed in him before the world did, pledging to honor every supporter “who inspire us, believe in us, and remind us that the journey is always worth it.”

Alysa Liu Returns to Glory After a Brief Retirement

Two‑time Olympic gold medalist figure skater Alysa Liu stunned the sports world by reclaiming the 2026 Winter Olympics individual gold after a 2022 retirement at age 16. Liu attributed her comeback to a dedicated team of advisors and coaches who helped her rediscover her love for the sport and keep her “mentally and physically stable.” She praised the “incredible team” that turned a moment of feeling “trapped and stuck” into a renewed competitive drive.

“I wouldn’t love my journey as an athlete as much as I do if it wasn’t for my incredible team,” she explained. Liu highlighted the intense willpower of the past two years, noting that the dedication came not just from her but from an entire support network focused on her health. She reflected on the unique ability of sport to push the mind and body, emphasizing that “it’s so important to trust and value the process.”

Alex Morgan Cheers Unprecedented Investment in Women’s Sports

Former U.S. soccer star Alex Morgan used her toast to applaud the “incredible investment in women’s sports that continues to grow.” She recalled how female athletes gained momentum by speaking up, demanding more, and refusing to settle for less, and she expressed pride that the current surge still fuels progress. Morgan pointed to the “unprecedented global investment in new women’s leagues, teams, and events,” linking it to broader impacts on careers, communities, and representation in ownership and media.

“Tonight, I toast to the continued growth of investment in women’s sports, so that the next generation of girls around the world can dream even bigger than anyone could imagine,” she declared. Her remarks underscored how financial backing is reshaping the sports landscape and expanding opportunities for young athletes everywhere.

Prince Harry Discusses Sport as Medicine for Veterans

Prince Harry recounted how attending the 2013 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs inspired him to launch the Invictus Games, a competition for wounded veterans that now includes hundreds of athletes from 26 nations. In his address, he described sport as “medicine” that restores confidence, purpose, identity, and connection where surgery and therapy often fall short. He emphasized that sport “reaches places that surgery cannot, therapies sometimes struggle to, and words often never will.”

“The comeback is better than the setback,” he said, noting that sport helps entire families heal. He praised the “resilience, leadership, and an enduring commitment” shown by Invictus participants, concluding that the ultimate power of sport lies in the person it helps us become, not just the medals won. Harry’s toast celebrated the lasting impact of sport on the human spirit.

LeBron James Attributes His Success to Sports and Family

NBA superstar LeBron James closed the evening by thanking TIME for honoring sports and reflecting on how athletics “bring families together” and “bring the world together.” He described sports as the number one force that unites households and inspires generations, both past and future. James expressed deep gratitude to his family, calling them essential to his journey, and to everyone who supported his path.

“Without sports, I wouldn’t be here. I wouldn’t be able to tell my story. I would not be able to inspire the youth, inspire everybody that’s followed my journey,” he said. His heartfelt remarks underscored how the platform of sport allowed him to connect with and uplift audiences worldwide.