The ESPY Awards will make a significant return to New York City in 2026, with regional sports fans in Texas eagerly anticipating the prestigious ceremony set for Wednesday, July 15, at 8 p.m. ET. This year’s event, known officially as the 2026 ESPYS, will broadcast live from the iconic David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, marking the awards’ relocation from their longtime Los Angeles venue back to New York for the first time in years.

Espys New York: Landmark Return for Sports Recognition

The relocation of the ESPY Awards to the East Coast is generating buzz across Texas and the wider United States, reaffirming the event’s commitment to celebrating diverse athletic achievements. Sports fans in Texas can tune in to watch espy awards honorees and enjoy the excitement as New York hosts the nation’s top sporting talent. The espy ceremony will honor individuals and teams that have demonstrated outstanding achievements across a range of disciplines in the past year.

Star-Studded ESPY Nominees Lead the Night

This year’s competition features an impressive roster of espy nominees. Jalen Brunson headlines with three nominations, including a nod for best athlete in men’s sports. Other celebrated contenders like Shohei Ohtani, aiming for an unprecedented fourth consecutive win as best MLB player, and athletes such as Myles Garrett, Alysa Liu, Matthew Stafford, Rory McIlroy, Lionel Messi, Mikaela Shiffrin, Victor Wembanyama, and A’ja Wilson, promise to draw significant attention. Texas also boasts regional connections, particularly through the Texas Longhorns softball team, ensuring local fans will have much to root for.

First-Time Host to Take the Stage

This year, Marcello Hernández steps into the role of espy awards host for the first time, bringing a fresh perspective to the proceedings. His comedic background is expected to add energy and lightheartedness to a night otherwise filled with anticipation and excitement, as athletes and fans alike await the announcement of the espy winners.

Celebrating Humanitarian Excellence

On the eve of the ceremony, NBA star Stephen Curry was honored with the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award, acknowledging his extensive community work in Oakland through the Eat Learn Play foundation. The stephen curry espys recognition puts a spotlight not only on athletic performance but also on the transformative social impact made by some of the world’s biggest sports figures.

Categories and Regional Impact

The espy award categories remain broad and inclusive, covering everything from team and individual sport achievements to humanitarian efforts, ensuring a comprehensive tribute to excellence in athletics. Texas sports communities have long followed the ESPYs with interest, often seeing their local teams and athletes in contention. This ongoing engagement demonstrates the event’s relevance to audiences across the Lone Star State, as well as its role in highlighting stories that resonate on both local and national levels.

Broadcasting Live: How to Watch the ESPYS

Fans across Texas and the nation are invited to experience the espys live stream on ABC, with simultaneous access provided via ESPN+ and other streaming platforms. The espn espys broadcast ensures that viewers will not miss a moment, from red carpet arrivals to emotional acceptance speeches. For Texas-based audiences, the ESPY Awards’ return to New York serves as a reminder of the enduring connection between local sports communities and the broader national scene.

A Night of High Achievement and Inspiration

The espy ceremony celebrates more than victories on the field; it showcases perseverance, teamwork, and positive influence within the world of sports. With the 2026 ESPYS shining brightly from New York, Texas spectators can look forward to not only supporting homegrown talent but also witnessing moments that define an era of athletic achievement. As the countdown to July 15 continues, the anticipation only grows for what is set to be an unforgettable night in sports entertainment.