The world of sports got the black-tie treatment at the 2026 ESPYs. Held at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City, it was a night of awards, ahtleticism and moments of greatness recognizing the best on and off the field.
Hosted by Saturday Night Live‘s Marcello Hernandez, the night’s presentation ranged from recognizing OG Anunoby for the year’s Best Play to mini-performances by the likes of Slick Rick, De La Soul and Ghostface Killah; here are the night’s most memorable moments.
NY Knicks’ Jalen Brunson dominated the night, earning several awards, including Best NBA Player and Best Championship Performance, for leading the New York Knicks to their first NBA championship in 53 years. He thanked his family, teammates, and the New York Knicks organization for believing in him and supporting the team’s championship run.
The Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award was presented to Stephen and Ayesha Curry for the work of their Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation. Accepting the award for the couple, Stephan called it an “incredible honor” and thanked the Ali family, noting that the boxer’s greatness came from using his voice, presence, and platform for something bigger than himself. He stressed that the organization was devoted to giving back to Oakland, his adopted hometown, which embraced him from day one. Steph also hammered home that children, like the ones who benefit from the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation deserve to have what they need to thrive.
DJ Khaled was on stage for a rematch moment with Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, who battled in the ring. The trio presented the award for Best Single Game Performance, which went to Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter and pitcher Shohei Ohtani.
The Awards presented a touching tribute to Jason Collins, the basketball great who became the first openly gay athlete in the NBA. After battling cancer, he passed away in May 2026. Collins’ twin brother, Jarron, accepted the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage on his brother’s behalf.
Olympian Simone Biles ended the night by presenting the Best Team award to the 2026 New York Knicks, who were serenaded by Fat Joe.