ESPY Awards 2026: Date, Channels, and Top Nominees

The 2026 ESPY Awards promise to shine a spotlight on the season’s most memorable athletic achievements. Set for Wednesday, July 15, the ceremony kicks off at 8 p.m. Eastern Time at the David H. Koch Theater in New York City’s Lincoln Center. Actor‑comedian Marcello Hernandez will preside over the night, guiding viewers through a lineup of standout performances and honorees.

When and Where Is the Show?

The event lands on the ABC television network, giving fans a prime‑time chance to tune in. For those who prefer streaming, the ESPY Awards are available via the ESPN app and on fubo, which bundles ABC, ESPN, CBS, Fox, NBC and more than 100 other channels. This broad reach ensures that audiences across the country can catch every highlight.

How to Stream the ESPY Awards

Viewers can stream the ceremony directly through the ESPN app, which offers a seamless mobile and smart‑TV experience. The fubo platform adds another option, providing access to ABC alongside a wide array of live sports channels without the need for traditional cable. Both services let fans watch the awards from any device with an internet connection.

Top Athletes and Performances in the Running

The nominee list spans individual excellence, record‑breaking feats, and team triumphs across every major sport. From Jalen Brunson’s clutch playoff heroics to Lionel Messi’s continued impact in MLS, the competition is deep. Below is a rundown of the key categories and the athletes who have earned nominations.

Athlete Honors – Men’s and Women’s Categories

• Best Athlete, Men’s Sports: Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF), Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers), Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams)
• Best Athlete, Women’s Sports: A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces)
• Best Breakthrough Athlete: Macklin Celebrini (San Jose Sharks), Alysa Liu (Figure Skating), Drake Maye (New England Patriots), Fernando Mendoza (Indiana Football)
• Best Record‑Breaking Performance: Myles Garrett (Cleveland Browns), Megan Grant (UCLA Softball), Johannes Høsflot Klæbo (Cross‑Country Skier), Sabastian Sawe (Long‑Distance Runner)
• Best Championship Performance: Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks), Aerin Frankel (USA Women’s Hockey), Connor Hellebuyck (USA Men’s Hockey), Teagan Kavan (Texas Longhorns Softball)

Comeback, Play, and Team Awards

• Best Comeback Athlete: Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers), Kyndal Stowers (Texas A&M Volleyball)
• Best Play: Golden Goal for Gold – Olympic Women’s Hockey; Golden Goal for Gold – Olympic Men’s Hockey; UConn’s Braylon Mullins buzzer‑beating three; OG Anunoby’s NBA Finals tip‑in; Caleb Williams game‑tying TD vs. Rams
• Best Team: Indiana Hoosiers (NCAA Football), Texas Longhorns (NCAA Softball)

College and Paralympic Excellence

• Best College Athlete, Men’s Sports: Cameron Boozer (Duke Basketball), Fernando Mendoza (Indiana Football), Mitchell Mesenbrink (Penn State Wrestling), Donavan Phillip (NC State Soccer)
• Best College Athlete, Women’s Sports: Olivia Babcock (Pittsburgh Volleyball), Lauren Betts (UCLA Basketball), Madison Taylor (Northwestern Lacrosse), Faith Torrez (Oklahoma Gymnastics)
• Best Athlete with a Disability: Jake Adicoff (Para Nordic‑Skiing), Declan Farmer (Para Hockey), Oksana Masters (Para Cross‑Country Skiing), Susannah Scaroni (Wheelchair Racing)

Professional Sports Awards

• Best NFL Player: Myles Garrett (Cleveland Browns), Drake Maye (New England Patriots), Jaxon Smith‑Njigba (Seattle Seahawks), Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams)
• Best MLB Player: Aaron Judge (New York Yankees), Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers), Cal Raleigh (Seattle Mariners), Paul Skenes (Pittsburgh Pirates)
• Best NHL Player: Macklin Celebrini (San Jose Sharks), Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay Lightning), Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche), Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers)
• Best NBA Player: Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks), Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder), Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets), Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)

Additional Categories

• Best WNBA Player: A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces)
• Best Soccer Player: Temwa Chawinga (KC Current), Ousmane Dembélé (PSG/France), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF), Alexia Putellas (Spain/Barcelona)

The 2026 ESPY Awards will celebrate these nominees and many more, offering fans a comprehensive look at the year’s most inspiring sports moments. Whether you catch the broadcast on ABC or stream via the ESPN app, the evening promises to be a showcase of athletic greatness. Mark your calendars for July 15 and prepare for a night of highlights, honors, and unforgettable performances.