ESPYs Return to New York
SNL Star Marcello Hernández to Host 2026 ESPYs Marking Show's Return to New York
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Comedian Marcello Hernández will host the 2026 ESPYs on Wednesday, July 15, as the ceremony returns to New York City at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center after more than 25 years since its last stop there. The show will air live on ABC at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT and stream via the ESPN app, with next-day availability on Disney+, Hulu, and ABC Video on Demand. Hernández, who recently finished his fourth season on Saturday Night Live and debuted his Netflix special Marcello Hernández: American Boy, was chosen in part for his sports enthusiasm and New York ties, and he played soccer at John Carroll University. He takes over hosting duties from comedian Shane Gillis, who hosted last year from Los Angeles. The ESPYs honor the year’s top sports achievements and support the V Foundation for Cancer Research, and they are co-produced by ESPN, Full Day Productions, and Fanatics Studios.
Key Points
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In his statement about hosting in New York, Hernández recalled commuting for years: “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.”
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Before the ESPYs announcement, Hernández had been recognized by Time as one of 2025’s “Latino Leaders,” according to Deadline.
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The Hollywood Reporter noted Hernández’s SNL breakout included “numerous recurring characters,” as part of his rise into a higher-profile hosting role.
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The ESPYs’ New York history is longer than the “more than 25 years” gap: The Hollywood Reporter said the ceremony debuted in 1993 at Madison Square Garden, moved to Radio City Music Hall, and left New York in 2000 to go west.
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In addition to ABC, Deadline reported the show will “stream on ESPN+ on the ESPN App” in tandem with ABC’s time-zone programming.
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