ESPYS 2026: Red carpet arrivals, performances and more

          • ESPN staffJul 15, 2026, 10:32 PM ET

          The 2026 ESPYS celebrates the biggest moments from the past year in sports for the event's return to New York City.

          Hosted by comedian and actor Marcello Hernández, this year's ceremony takes place at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center. Along with the Savannah Bananas opening, the 2026 ESPYS will feature music from DJ Premier and performances by New York hip-hop legends Ghostface Killah, Slick Rick and De La Soul as athletes and celebrities gather to celebrate the year's biggest moments in sports.

          Honorees for the 2026 ESPYS include the late former NBA player Jason Collins with the posthumous Arthur Ashe Award for Courage, former MLB pitcher Jim Abbott with the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance and U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer Scott Ruskan with the Pat Tillman Award for Service.

          But before the first award is handed out, stars are expected to make their statements on the red carpet.

          Here are some of the night's highlights, including the most fashionable arrivals.

          The ESPYS top moments

          Garrett receives his award from Kim

          OG makes the microphone work

          A special message from Jim Abbott

          Ghostface Killah gets the crowd going

          Slick Rick takes the ESPYS stage

          A lesson on flopping

          Savannah Bananas open the show

          Fits on the red carpet

          Simone Biles

          Alysa Liu

          Stephen and Ayesha Curry

          Myles Garrett and Chloe Kim

          Suni Lee

          Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordyn Woods

          Karl-Anthony Towns has great taste in music, but his common sense is even greater. Vince Staples was the headliner for the block party on the L.A.-based show "Insecure." Towns believes that reality will come to life for the Super Bowl halftime show. -- Kalan Hooks

          Jalen and Ali Brunson

          Jayson Tatum

          Bam Adebayo shares Super Bowl performer pick

          Bam Adebayo's mind was swirling when it came to music. But for the Super Bowl halftime show, only one answer came to mind: Hov. He also said he wishes he could've been at all three nights of Jay-Z's recent Yankee Stadium tour. -- Kalan Hooks

          Russell Wilson

          Damar Hamlin

          Damar Hamlin is in upstate New York. Not New York City exactly, but he knows the city has been booming. He said he wishes he could've gone to the Knicks' championship-clinching game. -- Kalan Hooks

          Dwight Howard

          Terence Crawford

          Jake Paul

          Kevin Hart

          Jack Hughes

          What is hockey star Jack Hughes listening to before a big game? His brother Quinn said Jack controls the aux in the locker room. His go-to? The Goo Goo Dolls. Clearly this is why they won Olympic gold. -- Tory Cabrera

          Cam Jordan

          Indiana football

          Fernando Mendoza might've been the best pick of the 2026 NFL draft, but that doesn't disqualify his love for hoops. Out of everything that popped off in NYC this summer, the Knicks' championship run is what spoke to him most. The way he moves on the field ... Jalen Brunson? Might want to give the Raiders QB a call. -- Kalan Hooks

          Jimmy Pitaro

          Kristin Juszczyk on her dream athlete to dress and more

          Kristin Juszczyk's dream athlete to dress? LeBron James (actually, the whole James family) and Paige Bueckers.

          If you're looking for a good hang, Mac Jones is your guy. Juszczyk said he's the most fun on the 49ers. "He's the vibe king. Yes, he is laughing 24/7. ... He doesn't stop moving. He just is so wiggly. You know those things that are outside of the car dealerships? It's a little like that." -- Tory Cabrera

          Peloton's Robin Arzon on the ESPYS being in New York

          Peloton instructor Robin Arzon, a life-long Knicks fan, had to teach a class during the Knicks championship parade. But she did get to attend night 3 of Jay-Z at Yankees stadium. "Honestly, it was the summer of outside, and the vibes are so good, and it feels appropriate that the ESPYS are in New York this year." -- Tory Cabrera

          Tyler Kolek

          Saddiq Bey

          New Orleans Pelicans guard Saddiq Bey is keeping it realistic for the upcoming Super Bowl. Out of all the artists he could choose from, he called out that Lil Wayne was the only rapper who didn't get a show. He has his money on Weezy. -- Kalan Hooks

          The Miz