ESPYS 2026 Nominations Full List, Including Jalen Brunson, Lionel Messi

Athletes are gearing up for the biggest night in sports.

And no, we’re not talking about the Super Bowl or the release of Heated Rivalry season two. The nominations for the ESPY Awards—being held on July 15 with comedian Marcello Hernández booked to host from Lincoln Center in New York City—have been released, with athletes across college and professional sports being recognized for their efforts.

What makes this year’s ESPYs particularly exciting is that the performances from the 2026 Winter Olympic Games are eligible, with the U.S. men and women’s hockey teams both in the running for best play and best team for their gold-medal winning games.

Norwegian Cross-country skier Johannes Høsflot Klæbo is also nominated for Best Record-Breaking Performance for being the first athlete to win six gold medals in a single Olympic Winter Games while figure skater Alysa Liu has been nominated for Best Breakthrough Athlete.  

Among those nominated for Best Athlete in men and women’s sports are basketball stars A’ja Wilson and Jalen Brunson—captain of the NBA Championship-winning New York Knicks—soccer player Lionel Messi, MLB pitcher Shohei Ohtani, reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford, women’s hockey captain Hilary Knight and golf pro Nelly Korda.