2026 ESPY Awards: Time, Channel, and How to Watch

Event Overview and Setting

The 2026 ESPY Awards mark another summer gathering of the sports world in New York City. This year’s ceremony will be hosted at the iconic David H. Koch Theater inside Lincoln Center. The show celebrates standout performances, record‑breaking feats, and breakthrough athletes from the past 12 months. Organizers expect a star‑studded audience as legends and rising stars alike prepare to honor excellence.

When and Where Does the Night Take Place?

The 2026 ESPY Awards are scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. The venue is the David H. Koch Theater, situated at Lincoln Center in Manhattan. This marks the second consecutive year the event remains in the Big Apple, keeping fans close to the city’s vibrant sports culture. Attendees will experience the awards within one of New York’s most celebrated performing‑arts spaces.

Who Is Hosting This Year’s Show?

Comedian Marcello Hernández will lead the 2026 ESPY Awards as the host, guiding viewers through the evening from the Lincoln Center stage. The lineup also promises appearances by icons such as Billie Jean King, Simone Biles, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant. Their participation adds gravitas to an already high‑profile night of recognition. The host’s comedic timing is expected to balance the solemnity of award presentations.

How to Watch Live

ABC will carry the live broadcast of the 2026 ESPY Awards, giving traditional cable subscribers a reliable viewing option. Cord‑cutters can stream the show via fubo or the ESPN app, both highlighted as official platforms. The ESPN app also bundles other sports programming, making it a convenient all‑in‑one choice for many households. This multi‑platform approach ensures fans across different viewing preferences can tune in.

What Are the Major Nominee Categories?

The nominations span 22 distinct categories, ranging from individual athlete honors to team achievements and specialized disciplines such as disability sports. Men’s sports nominees include Jalen Brunson, Lionel Messi, Shohei Ohtani, and Matthew Stafford, while women’s athletics feature Hillary Knight, Nelly Korda, Mikaela Shiffrin, and A’ja Wilson. Breakthrough athletes like Macklin Celebrini, Alysa Liu, Drake Maye, and Fernando Mendoza represent emerging talent across hockey, figure skating, football, and baseball. Notable play nominees highlight dramatic moments such as the Olympic women’s hockey gold goal and UConn’s buzzer‑beating three against Duke.

Why This Year’s ESPY Matters

This ceremony continues a summer tradition of recognizing the year’s most memorable sports moments, providing a platform for both seasoned veterans and fresh faces. The presence of multiple Olympic legends alongside current NBA and MLB stars underscores the depth of talent honored. By spotlighting achievements in everything from the NFL to the WNBA, the ESPYs reinforce the broad reach of professional and collegiate athletics. Fans can look forward to seeing how these accolades shape narrative storylines heading into the next season.

For anyone eager to celebrate the best of sports, the 2026 ESPY Awards offer a comprehensive look at the year’s triumphs, all from the heart of New York City.