Highlights from the 2026 ESPY Awards

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On July 16, 2026, the ESPY Awards unfolded at the David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center, New York. Hosted by Marcello Hernandez of ‘Saturday Night Live’ fame, the event was marked by numerous outstanding performances and emotional moments.

Jalen Brunson Shines

Jalen Brunson stole the spotlight with multiple awards, celebrating his key role in leading the New York Knicks to their first NBA championship since 1973. Brunson clinched ‘Best Championship Performance’ and ‘Best Athlete — Men’s Sports’ awards. During the Finals, he boasted an average of 32.6 points, 4.6 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game. His regular season stats included 26.0 points, 6.8 assists, and 0.8 steals per game. In his acceptance speech, Brunson expressed gratitude to his family, coaches, and teammates, emphasizing how invaluable they were to his success.

Jim Abbott and Perseverance

Former MLB pitcher Jim Abbott received the ‘Jimmy V Award for Perseverance’. Born without a right hand, Abbott shared his journey and the importance of belonging. He illustrated how sports provided him a sense of inclusion, despite initially being perceived as different.

Breakthrough Achievements

Alyssa Liu was honored as the ‘Best Breakthrough Athlete’ following her gold medal win at the Winter Olympics in figure skating. She reflected on her personal challenges and her hiatus from the sport, emphasizing her triumphs in overcoming them.

Golden State Warriors’ Steph Curry received the ‘Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian’ award for his ‘Eat, Learn, Play’ charity, which supports children in the Oakland area. Curry paid homage to Ali’s legacy and motivated fellow athletes to leverage their platforms for community betterment.

College Athletes and Mental Health

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza and UCLA basketball player Lauren Betts were named ‘Best College Athletes’. Betts underscored the importance of mental health, stating it as fundamental to achieving success. She stressed the courage involved in accepting help through struggles.

Service and Heroism Honored

Scott Ruskan, who participated in rescuing 165 survivors from Texas floods while in the Coast Guard, earned the ‘Pat Tilman Award for Service’. He acknowledged the collective effort required for such missions, recognizing unsung heroes involved.