Key Takeaways
- The 2026 ESPY Awards will be hosted by Marcello Hernández and broadcast on ABC.
- Performers include De La Soul, Ghostface Killah, Slick Rick, and other artists.
- DirecTV, Fubo TV, and Sling TV offer free trials to watch the event.
The 34th annual ESPY Awards (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards) will return to New York City this year, marking a five-year absence. Hosted by Marcello Hernández, the awards ceremony will take place at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on Wednesday, July 15, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
The event will honor top athletes and performers in sports, including nominees such as Jalen Brunson, Shohei Ohtani, Lionel Messi, A’ja Wilson, Hilary Knight, Alysa Liu, Drake Maye, Fernando Mendoza, Myles Garrett, and Aryna Sabalenka. Additionally, the ceremony will feature performances by De La Soul, Ghostface Killah, Slick Rick, and other artists.
For sports enthusiasts who prefer to avoid cable subscriptions or are looking for free options, there are several streaming services that offer trials allowing viewers to watch the ESPYs without incurring costs upfront. DirecTV, for instance, provides a five-day free trial period, giving users access to live TV, local and cable channels, including ABC.
Sling TV also offers a plan called Sling Blue, which includes 40+ channels and comes with a free cloud DVR service. The monthly subscription starts at $45.99, but new sign-ups can enjoy the first month for free. This plan provides access to local networks such as NBC, CBS, FOX, and PBS, along with many cable networks.
FuboTV is another affordable option that offers a five-day free trial for new users. The service starts at $63.99 for the first month ($88.99 per month afterward) and includes more than 220 channels — including local and cable, like ABC. With this trial, viewers can watch live broadcasts of local networks such as NBC, CBS, and FOX.
It is important to note that pricing and channel availability may vary from market to market. However, these services provide a convenient way for sports fans to enjoy the ESPY Awards without the need for traditional cable subscriptions.
