The 2026 ESPY Awards honored the top athletic achievements of the year on July 15, 2026 [1].

The ceremony serves as the primary annual recognition for excellence across various sports, highlighting individual performances and team dominance that defined the previous year.

Hosted by Marcello Hernández, the event took place at the Lincoln Center in New York City [2]. The venue's main hall accommodated 2,200 seats for the gathering of sports stars and celebrities [3].

Among the night's top honorees was New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson [4]. His recognition reflects a year of significant impact for the Knicks, who maintained a strong presence throughout the awards ceremony [5].

Other winners included gymnast Alysa Liu and Fernando Mendoza [4]. The list of honorees also featured A'ja Wilson and Hilary Knight, representing a broad spectrum of disciplines from basketball, gymnastics, and hockey [4].

The red carpet event preceding the ceremony featured high-profile attendees, including Steph Curry, Ayesha Curry, and Lindsey Vonn [6]. These appearances underscored the intersection of professional athletics and global celebrity culture—a hallmark of the ESPY brand.

Organizers designed the evening to celebrate the physical and mental fortitude required to reach the pinnacle of professional sports [4]. The 2026 winners represent a mix of established veterans and rising stars who have pushed the boundaries of their respective games.

“The 2026 ESPY Awards honored the top athletic achievements of the year.”

The 2026 ESPY results emphasize the continued dominance of the New York Knicks in the cultural and athletic landscape, while the inclusion of athletes like Alysa Liu and Fernando Mendoza shows a diversifying range of sports receiving mainstream recognition. By centering the event at the Lincoln Center, the ceremony reinforced New York City's role as a hub for global sports media.