The ESPY Awards 2026 celebrated the biggest achievements in sports during a star-studded ceremony held at Lincoln Center in New York City on Wednesday night. Hosted by comedian Marcello Hernández, the annual ESPN awards honored standout athletes, unforgettable performances, and inspiring stories from the past year. NBA champion Jalen Brunson emerged as the biggest winner of the evening, while the New York Knicks took home the coveted Best Team award.
Jalen Brunson Dominates the 2026 ESPY Awards
Jalen Brunson was the standout performer of the night after leading the New York Knicks to their historic NBA championship. His remarkable season earned him multiple honors, making him the biggest winner at the 2026 ESPYs.
Brunson won Best Athlete (Men’s Sports), Best NBA Player, and Best Championship Performance, recognizing both his individual brilliance and his leadership throughout the championship-winning campaign.
His performances during the NBA Finals played a significant role in helping the Knicks secure their first title in decades, making him one of the most celebrated athletes of the year.
New York Knicks Named Best Team
The New York Knicks capped off their memorable season by winning the Best Team award at the ESPYs.
The franchise beat several high-profile contenders across different sports after an unforgettable championship run that ended one of the longest title droughts in NBA history. The award reflects the team’s consistency, resilience, and dominant performances throughout the season.
A’ja Wilson Wins Top Women’s Honors
WNBA superstar A’ja Wilson continued her remarkable career by claiming two of the night’s biggest awards.
Wilson received the Best Athlete (Women’s Sports) award along with Best WNBA Player, adding another milestone to her already impressive list of achievements.
She was recognized for another outstanding season in which she remained one of the most dominant players in professional basketball.
Other Major Winners at the ESPY Awards 2026
Several athletes from different sports were recognized for their achievements during the ceremony.
- Best Breakthrough Athlete: Alysa Liu
- Best Comeback Athlete: Christian McCaffrey
- Best NFL Player: Myles Garrett
- Best MLB Player: Shohei Ohtani
- Best NHL Player: Connor McDavid
- Best Driver: Lando Norris
- Best Fighter: Terence Crawford
- Best College Athlete (Men): Fernando Mendoza
- Best College Athlete (Women): Lauren Betts
- Best Athlete with a Disability: Declan Farmer
- Best Play: OG Anunoby’s game-winning NBA Finals tip-in
Special Honors Highlight Inspirational Stories
Beyond competitive achievements, the 2026 ESPYs also celebrated courage, perseverance, and community service.
Former Major League Baseball pitcher Jim Abbott received the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance in recognition of his inspiring career and determination.
NBA superstar Stephen Curry was presented with the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award for his continued charitable work and social impact.
Former NBA player Jason Collins earned the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage, while U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer Scott Ruskan received the Pat Tillman Award for Service for his dedication and bravery.
Star-Studded Red Carpet in New York
The ceremony brought together some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment.
Olympic gymnastics legend Simone Biles, figure skating champion Alysa Liu, television personality Jordyn Woods, and several other athletes and celebrities walked the red carpet before the awards show.
The event marked the return of the ESPYs to New York City, creating one of the most glamorous nights on the sporting calendar.
ESPY Awards 2026 Winners: Full List
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Athlete (Men) | Jalen Brunson |
| Best Athlete (Women) | A’ja Wilson |
| Best Team | New York Knicks |
| Best NBA Player | Jalen Brunson |
| Best Championship Performance | Jalen Brunson |
| Best Breakthrough Athlete | Alysa Liu |
| Best Comeback Athlete | Christian McCaffrey |
| Best NFL Player | Myles Garrett |
| Best MLB Player | Shohei Ohtani |
| Best NHL Player | Connor McDavid |
| Best Driver | Lando Norris |
| Best Fighter | Terence Crawford |
| Best College Athlete (Men) | Fernando Mendoza |
| Best College Athlete (Women) | Lauren Betts |
| Best Athlete with a Disability | Declan Farmer |
| Best Play | OG Anunoby (NBA Finals Tip-In) |
Conclusion
The ESPY Awards 2026 celebrated excellence across the sporting world, with Jalen Brunson emerging as the biggest individual winner after his historic NBA season. The New York Knicks’ championship campaign was rewarded with the Best Team honor, while athletes from basketball, football, baseball, motorsports, hockey, and Olympic sports were recognized for their exceptional performances. Alongside the competitive awards, the ceremony also highlighted inspiring stories of courage, perseverance, and service, making it another memorable edition of ESPN’s annual celebration of sports.