If you’re wondering where can i watch the espys, you’re not alone. Every year, millions of sports fans tune in to watch one of the biggest nights in athletics, where the year’s greatest achievements are recognized across professional and amateur sports. The 2026 ESPYS once again delivered an unforgettable evening filled with championship celebrations, emotional speeches, celebrity appearances, and inspiring moments.
Whether you missed the live broadcast or want to stream the ceremony after it aired, here’s everything you need to know about watching the ESPYS in 2026.
Table of Contents
Key Points Summary
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║ – The 2026 ESPYS aired live on ABC. ║
║ – ESPN+ offered a live streaming option for subscribers. ║
║ – Replay streaming is available on Hulu and Disney+. ║
║ – The ceremony featured top athletes from every major sport. ║
║ – Marcello Hernández hosted the 2026 ESPYS. ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝Where to Watch the ESPYS Live
The 2026 ESPYS aired live on ABC, making it easy for viewers with cable or an over-the-air antenna to watch the ceremony as it happened.
Fans who prefer streaming also had live viewing options through ESPN+ and several television streaming platforms that include ABC in their channel packages.
Popular streaming services included:
- Hulu + Live TV
- YouTube TV
- Fubo
- DIRECTV Stream
Availability of ABC may vary depending on your local television market.
How to Stream the ESPYS After the Live Broadcast
If you couldn’t watch the awards live, there are several ways to catch the replay.
The full ceremony is available on:
- Disney+
- Hulu
- ESPN App
- ABC Video on Demand
These services allow viewers to watch the complete awards show, including every acceptance speech, tribute, and entertainment segment.
What Time Did the 2026 ESPYS Air?
The ceremony aired on July 15, 2026, beginning at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Broadcast times across the United States included:
- 8:00 p.m. ET
- 7:00 p.m. CT
- 6:00 p.m. MT
- 5:00 p.m. PT
Fans from across the country watched simultaneously as sports stars gathered for one of the industry’s biggest annual celebrations.
Who Hosted the 2026 ESPYS?
Comedian and Saturday Night Live cast member Marcello Hernández hosted this year’s ceremony.
Known for his energetic comedy and engaging stage presence, Hernández kept the audience entertained throughout the night while introducing award winners and presenting memorable moments.
What Are the ESPYS?
The ESPYS—short for Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards—recognize outstanding accomplishments from athletes, teams, coaches, and sports personalities.
Unlike league-specific award ceremonies, the ESPYS celebrate achievements across nearly every major sport, bringing together champions from different disciplines under one roof.
Awards Presented During the Ceremony
The annual event recognized excellence across numerous categories, including:
- Best Athlete
- Best Team
- Best Championship Performance
- Best Comeback Athlete
- Best Breakthrough Athlete
- Best Play
- Best Record-Breaking Performance
The ceremony also honored individuals who made a significant impact away from competition through humanitarian and service awards.
More Than Just Sports Awards
The ESPYS have become much more than an awards show.
Every ceremony combines sports with entertainment through:
- Celebrity presenters
- Live musical performances
- Emotional tribute videos
- Inspiring personal stories
- Red carpet interviews
- Comedy segments
These elements help make the ESPYS one of the most anticipated sporting events of the summer.
Can You Watch the ESPYS Without Cable?
Absolutely.
Cord-cutters have multiple ways to watch the awards without a traditional cable subscription.
Live streaming services carrying ABC provide an excellent alternative, while replay options on Hulu and Disney+ make it easy to watch at a later time.
Can International Viewers Watch the ESPYS?
International availability depends on regional broadcasting rights.
In many countries, ESPN partners and affiliated broadcasters carry the ceremony, while select streaming services may also provide access depending on licensing agreements.
Checking local sports television listings is the easiest way to confirm availability.
Why Fans Continue Watching the ESPYS
The ESPYS remain one of the most unique events in sports because they celebrate athletes from every corner of the sporting world.
Basketball stars, football champions, baseball legends, Olympic medalists, tennis icons, golfers, soccer players, UFC fighters, and many others all share one stage, creating memorable moments that fans rarely get to see elsewhere.
The event also highlights perseverance, courage, and community impact, reminding viewers that sports extend well beyond competition.
Will Future ESPYS Be Available the Same Way?
While broadcast arrangements can change over time, the ESPYS have consistently remained accessible through major television networks and streaming platforms.
Fans can generally expect future ceremonies to be available on ABC for live television audiences, with replay options becoming available shortly afterward through Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN’s digital platforms.
FAQs
Q: Where can I watch the ESPYS live?
A: The 2026 ESPYS aired live on ABC and streamed on ESPN+.
Q: Can I stream the ESPYS without cable?
A: Yes. Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Fubo, and DIRECTV Stream offer live access in many markets.
Q: Where can I watch the replay?
A: Replays are available on Disney+, Hulu, the ESPN App, and ABC Video on Demand.
Q: Who hosted the 2026 ESPYS?
A: Marcello Hernández hosted the ceremony.
Q: What time did the ESPYS begin?
A: The show started at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on July 15, 2026.
Q: What do the ESPYS celebrate?
A: The awards honor outstanding athletic achievements, memorable performances, and inspiring contributions across the world of sports.
Q: Can fans vote for ESPY winners?
A: Yes. Several award categories include fan voting before the ceremony.
Did you watch this year’s ESPYS? Share your favorite winner or most memorable moment in the comments, and keep checking back for the latest sports news and streaming updates!
