Comedian Marcello Hernández will take the stage to celebrate the achievements, athletes and moments in sports from the past year as host of The ESPYS on July 15, it was announced Wednesday.
The 2026 ESPYs are returning to New York after more than 25 years, with this year’s event being held at the the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center. The awards show, which honors the best of the year in sports, will air on ABC and stream on the ESPN App.
“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,” Hernández said in a statement. “It is an honor, and frankly feels crazy to be hosting the ESPYS this year in New York. I’m sure the energy is going to be great.”
In addition to his comedic success, Hernández, who recently closed out his fourth season on “Saturday Night Live,” is an avid sports fan. He played soccer at John Carroll University.
Hernández joins a strong lineup of sports and entertainment icons who have previously hosted the event. Past ESPYS hosts include Jimmy Kimmel, John Cena, LeBron James, Peyton Manning, Russell Wilson, Samuel L. Jackson, Serena Williams, Shane Gillis, Stephen Curry, Sue Bird, Tracy Morgan and more.
“Marcello is one of the most electric young comedians today. His genuine enthusiasm for sports and his ties to New York City make him a natural fit to host this year’s ESPYS,” said Craig Lazarus, ESPN vice president and The ESPYS’ executive producer. “We are excited to partner with him to celebrate the best moments in sports and look forward to the fresh take he’ll bring to the show.”
The ESPYS help to raise awareness and funds for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, the charity founded by ESPN and late basketball coach Jim Valvano at the first ESPYS in 1993.
