2026 ESPYs: Jalen Brunson, the Knicks take home night's biggest awards after championship run
NEW YORK -- Some of the biggest stars in sports gathered Wednesday night in New York City for the 2026 ESPY Awards.
The annual event celebrates the top athletic achievements over the past year and brings together the fan favorites of the sports industry and its biggest stars.
This year's star-studded event, hosted by Marcello Hernàndez, was held in New York City at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center.
It was a fitting location for the award ceremony, in particular for the NBA champion New York Knicks, who continued riding the wave Wednesday night with their captain, Jalen Brunson, winning the ESPY for "Best Male Athlete," "Best Championship Performance" and "Best NBA Player."
"First and foremost- want to say thank you to my family for sacrificing everything day in and day out," Brunson said.
The Knicks also took home the award for "Best Team," while OG Anunoby's Game 4 tip in during the NBA Finals won him the ESPY for "Best Play."
It was also a night filled with inspiration. Former MLB pitcher Jim Abbott, who was born without a right hand, was honored with the Jimmy V Award for perseverance. The former Yankee once defied odds by throwing a no hitter.
"I knew what it was like to be different. I knew what it was like to be on the outside looking in, and I knew what it was like to want to prove yourself," Abbott said.
That's something Savy King of Angel City FC did when she beat a terrifying cardiac episode to return to soccer. She was nominated for "Best Comeback Athlete."
"It was definitely a huge challenge. It took a village, my friends, my family, my team, the entire country... everyone who was supporting me," King said.
Hip-hop artist De La Soul, rapper Ghostface Killah, Slick Rick and the Savannah Bananas all performed during the event, while Simone Biles, Allyson Felix, Eileen Gu and more presented.
Ahead of the show, plenty of athletes, entertainers and actors walked the red carpet.
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