Watch:Jalen Brunson, Lionel Messi & More Score ESPYS 2026 Nominations
Without a doubt, the fashion at the2026 ESPY Awardsis aslam dunk.
All your favorite starsaretrading in their jerseys for couture as they hit the red carpet for the biggest night in sports at Lincoln Center in New York City July 15.
The evening kicked off with athletes from across the sports world making their way down the carpet—including those from the2026 Winter Olympics, who were all eligible this year.
Take Lindsey Vonn, who dazzled in a sequined plum gown by Gucci amid her recovery from a torn ACL, broken ankle and fractured tibia after her crash at the Milano Cortina Gamesearlier this year
“I’m in heels,” the skier quipped to USA Sports’ Renee Montgomeryin an exclusive E! News interview. “I can’t say it’s comfortable, but is it ever?”
Meanwhile, figure skater Alysa Liu—nominated for Best Breakthrough Athlete—was as stunning as she was on the ice in a plunging brown Louis Vuitton dress
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ESPYS 2026 Winners: See the Complete List
And it’s sure to be a who’s who of Olympians at the sports award, with the U.S. Men’s and Women’s Hockey teams up for Best Team, skierMikaelaShiffrinnominated for Best Athlete, Women’s Sports alongside fellow Olympian and hockey starHilary Knight, as well as Paralympian and cross-country skierOksanaMasterscompeting for Best Athlete With a Disability
Also bringing that championship mentality to the ESPYswill beJalen Brunson, who helped lead the New York Knicks to their first NBA championship win in over 50 years as the team’s captain.It remainsto be seen if he’ll take home the award for Best Athlete, Men’s Sports, as he competes against MLS’Lionel Messi, MLB’sShoheiOhtaniand the NFL’sMatthewStafford
But the real MVP of the night? This year’s ESPY Awards host,Saturday Night LivestarMarcello Hernández, whocannot believe he is beingtrusted with the keys to the sports kingdom
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“I started doing comedy 10 years ago, in Cleveland, Ohio, and I would take the train 12 hours to New York to sell comedy tickets on the street in Greenwich Village in exchange for stage time,” the 38-year-old in a<a href="https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2026/06/marcello-hernandez-to-host-the-2026-espys-presented-by-capital-one-at-the-david-h-koch-theater-at-lincoln-center-airing-wednesday-july-15-at-8-p-m-et-on-abc-and-streaming-on-the-espn-app/” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank”>June 3 press release. “It is an honor, and frankly feels crazy to be hosting the ESPYS this year in New York.”
He added, “I’m sure the energy is going to be great.”
For more of the world’s biggest athletes who are ready for their own home runs on the 2026 ESPY Awards red carpet, keep reading
(E! and USA Sports are both part of Versant Media.)
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View More Photos From ESPYS 2026: Red Carpet Fashion
