Laurie Tisch Honored as 2026 Sports Humanitarian of the Year

Award Honored at ESPN Ceremony

Laurie M. Tisch, co‑owner of the New York Giants and Gotham FC, was presented with the 2026 Sports Philanthropist of the Year Award at ESPN’s 12th annual Sports Humanitarian Awards on July 14. The ceremony took place at Gotham Hall in New York City and was hosted by Christine Williamson. The honor recognizes individuals who drive measurable social change through sports via focused philanthropic strategies, and Tisch’s work clearly meets that standard.

Play to Thrive Initiative & Philanthropy

Tisch received the award for her leadership of the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund and its $10 million multi‑year Play to Thrive initiative, which launched in 2025. The program uses sports to expand access, strengthen mentorship, and support youth development, placing a special emphasis on girls’ opportunities and underserved communities. This effort builds on her broader giving record, including a $25 million Arts in Health program. Since 2007 she has served as president of the Illumination Fund, guiding its strategic direction.

Community Partnerships & Programs

Key collaborations include support for Gotham FC’s Keep Her in the Game with Girls Leadership, Elevate Play with Playworks, Street Soccer USA, South Bronx United, City Parks Foundation, and the Aspen Institute’s Project Play. These investments aim to create safe spaces for play, promote mental health, and foster joy through movement. The partnerships demonstrate a comprehensive approach to using sport as a vehicle for social impact across New York City and beyond.

Legacy & Board Involvement

A lifelong Giants fan, Tisch brings an extensive background in innovative giving, having chaired efforts for the Children’s Museum of Manhattan and serving on the board of the Women’s Sports Foundation. Her career‑long commitment to community projects adds depth to the recognition from ESPN. The award also highlights how sports ownership can be leveraged for broader societal benefit.

Awards Presentation & Quotes

Giants legend Justin Tuck was on hand to present the trophy to Tisch during the ceremony. In her remarks, Tisch reflected that “Growing up, giving to what we believed in was just called doing the right thing — we never called it philanthropy.” The event also celebrated other honorees and underscored the power of sports to uplift communities.

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants’ Laurie Tisch named ESPN’s Sports Philanthropist of the Year