ESPY 2026 winners were announced Wednesday night at Lincoln Center in New York. Jalen Brunson led the night with three awards, including Best Male Athlete, Best NBA Player, and Best Championship Performance.
ESPY 2026 Winner Quick Overview
| Event | ESPY Awards 2026 |
|---|---|
| Date | July 15, 2026 |
| Location | David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center, NYC |
| Host | Marcello Hernández (SNL) |
| Biggest Winner | New York Knicks (5 awards) |
| Top Individual | Jalen Brunson (3 awards) |
The New York Knicks took home Best Team, while A’ja Wilson won Best Female Athlete, Myles Garrett won Best Record-Breaking Performance for his 23-sack season, and Alysa Liu won Best Breakthrough Athlete. Jim Abbott, Jason Collins, and Scott Ruskan received special honors for courage and service.
ESPY 2026 Winner: A Night for New York
The ESPY Awards just wrapped up — and honestly? It was basically a Knicks victory party.
The ceremony took place Wednesday night at the David H. Koch Theater in New York City’s Lincoln Center. And with the hometown NBA champions in the building, the Knicks walked away with five trophies. No surprise there.
Comedian Marcello Hernández from Saturday Night Live hosted the show. And he kept the energy high all night.
But here’s the thing — this wasn’t just about basketball. We saw emotional moments, standing ovations, and some well-deserved recognition for athletes who overcame incredible odds.
The Big Winners of the ESPY 2026 Winner Night
Jalen Brunson: The King of ESPYs
Jalen Brunson had a night to remember. The Knicks point guard took home:
| Award | Category |
|---|---|
| Best Male Athlete | Men’s Sports |
| Best NBA Player | Basketball |
| Best Championship Performance | Overall |
That’s three trophies — the most of any athlete this year. And honestly? Hard to argue. Brunson led the Knicks to their first NBA title in decades.
ESPY 2026 Winner New York Knicks: Best Team
The Knicks won Best Team — and nobody was surprised. They capped off an incredible season with a championship that New York fans will remember forever.
Forward OG Anunoby also took home Best Play for his game-winning tip-in against the Spurs in Game 4 of the Finals. What a moment.
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ESPY 2026 Winner Special Awards: Courage, Perseverance, and Service
Arthur Ashe Award for Courage: Jason Collins
Former NBA center Jason Collins received this honor. He was the first active player in any of the four major men’s sports leagues to come out as gay. His brother Jarron accepted the award on his behalf.
Jimmy V Award: Jim Abbott
This one hit different. Abbott was born without a right hand — but that didn’t stop him from pitching 10 seasons in the big leagues. He even threw a no-hitter in 1993.
Abbott’s speech was one of the most emotional moments of the night. The guy simply refused to quit.
Pat Tillman Award: Scott Ruskan
US Coast Guard rescue swimmer Scott Ruskan received a standing ovation. And honestly? He deserved it.
Ruskan and his crew helped rescue nearly 200 people during the Texas Hill Country floods last July. On his own, he’s credited with saving 165 lives.
Full List of ESPY 2026 Winners
Major Awards
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Male Athlete | Jalen Brunson (Knicks) |
| Best Female Athlete | A’ja Wilson (Aces) |
| Best Breakthrough Athlete | Alysa Liu (Figure Skating) |
| Best Team | New York Knicks |
| Best Championship Performance | Jalen Brunson (Knicks) |
| Best Play | OG Anunoby (Knicks) |
| Best Record-Breaking Performance | Myles Garrett (Browns) |
Sports-Specific Awards
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best NBA Player | Jalen Brunson (Knicks) |
| Best WNBA Player | A’ja Wilson (Aces) |
| Best NFL Player | Myles Garrett (Browns) |
| Best Soccer Player | Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) |
| Best College Athlete (Men) | Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) |
| Best College Athlete (Women) | Lauren Betts (UCLA) |
Special Honors
| Award | Recipient |
|---|---|
| Arthur Ashe Courage | Jason Collins |
| Jimmy V Perseverance | Jim Abbott |
| Pat Tillman Service | Scott Ruskan (US Coast Guard) |
| Muhammad Ali Humanitarian | Stephen Curry |
Best Single-Game Performance: Shohei Ohtani
Shohei Ohtani did something ridiculous — and he got rewarded for it.
In NLCS Game 4 against the Brewers, Ohtani:
- Hit three home runs
- Pitched 6 scoreless innings
- Struck out 10 batters
All in one game. Yeah. He’s not human.
Best Record-Breaking Performance: Myles Garrett
Myles Garrett broke the NFL single-season sack record with 23 sacks. And he did it in style.
The Browns defensive end was unstoppable all season. Now he’s got the hardware to prove it.
Top Moments That Had Everyone Talking
1. Jim Abbott’s Speech
Born without a right hand. Pitched a no-hitter. And he gave one of the most inspiring speeches you’ll ever hear.
Abbott finished third in the AL Cy Young voting in 1991. But honestly? He should have won it just for showing up every day.
2. Scott Ruskan’s Standing Ovation
This guy saved 165 lives. The crowd gave him a standing ovation that lasted forever. And he deserved every second of it.
3. Jason Collins’ Courage Award
His brother Jarron accepted on his behalf. The moment hit hard — especially for anyone who understands what Collins went through.
4. Alysa Liu’s Breakthrough
She won gold in figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics. And she took home Best Breakthrough Athlete. What a year.
Social Media Reaction: What People Are Saying
Fans became wild — especially Knicks fans. They’ve been waiting decades for this kind of recognition.
Brunson was trending all night. And honestly? He deserved it.
A’ja Wilson also got love — she’s now a four-time WNBA MVP. Absolute legend.
Shop ESPY 2026 Winner-Inspired Gear on Amazon
| Product | Why You’ll Love It |
|---|---|
| New York Knicks Official Team Jersey | Rep the NBA champs in style |
| NBA Championship Celebration Hat | Show off your Knicks pride |
| A’ja Wilson WNBA MVP T-Shirt | Celebrate the women’s athlete of the year |
| Lionel Messi Inter Miami Jersey | Honor the soccer player of the year |
| Basketball Hoop Wall Art | Perfect for any sports fan’s room |
Quick Summary: ESPY 2026 Winners
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Male Athlete | Jalen Brunson |
| Female Athlete | A’ja Wilson |
| Team | New York Knicks |
| NBA Player | Jalen Brunson |
| WNBA Player | A’ja Wilson |
| NFL Player | Myles Garrett |
| Soccer Player | Lionel Messi |
| Breakthrough | Alysa Liu |
| Best Play | OG Anunoby (Knicks) |
| Record-Breaking | Myles Garrett |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who won the most ESPY 2026 Winner?
Jalen Brunson won 3 awards — Best Male Athlete, Best NBA Player, and Best Championship Performance.
Q2: Which team won Best Team at the ESPY 2026 Winner?
The New York Knicks won Best Team after their NBA championship.
Q3: Who hosted the ESPY 2026 Winner?
Marcello Hernández from Saturday Night Live hosted the ceremony.
Q4: Where were the ESPY 2026 Winner Awards held?
At the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City.
Q5: Who won the Arthur Ashe Courage Award?
Jason Collins, the first active NBA player to come out as gay.
Q6: Who won the Jimmy V Award?
Jim Abbott, the one-handed MLB pitcher who threw a no-hitter.
Q7: Who won the Pat Tillman Award?
Scott Ruskan, a US Coast Guard rescue swimmer who saved 165 lives.
Q8: Did Lionel Messi win any awards?
Yes — Best Soccer Player for his performance with Inter Miami CF.
Q9: Who won Best Breakthrough Athlete?
Alysa Liu, the figure skater who won gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Q10: What was the Best Record-Breaking Performance?
Myles Garrett breaking the NFL single-season sack record with 23 sacks.
Sources
- ESPN Press Room – Official winners list and finalists
- USA Today – Award categories and winners
- NBA.com – Knicks championship coverage
- Olympics.com – Alysa Liu figure skating coverage
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