Vote for the 2026 ESPYS Winners
Key takeaways
- NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson is nominated in three categories -- Best Athlete - Men's Sports, Best Championship Performance and Best NBA Player.
- Joining the Knicks in the Best Team category are the men's and women's USA hockey teams, recognized for winning gold at the Milan Cortina Olympics.
- A'ja Wilson seeks her second win for Best Athlete - Women's Sports after winning the category in 2024, when she also won Best WNBA Player.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
Cast your vote now and tune in on July 15 at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT on ABC to find out who brings home an ESPY. ESPNESPNMultiple Authors Jun 25, 2026, 12:00 PM ETEmail Print Open Extended Reactions The 2026 ESPYS presented by Capital One celebrates the biggest names and moments in sports. Hosted by comedian Marcello Hernández, this year's awards show returns to New York City and will air live from the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center. Vote today to help determine which stars will go home with an ESPY.
NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson is nominated in three categories -- Best Athlete - Men's Sports, Best Championship Performance and Best NBA Player. Brunson's New York Knicks are among the nine Best Team nominees after rallying in Game 5 against the San Antonio Spurs to win their first championship in 53 years.
Joining the Knicks in the Best Team category are the men's and women's USA hockey teams, recognized for winning gold at the Milan Cortina Olympics. The game-winning goals, both scored in overtime against Canada, are nominated for Best Play. Hilary Knight of the women's hockey team and Connor Hellebuyck of the men's hockey team earned individual nominations in the Best Athlete - Women's Sports and Best Championship Performance categories, respectively.