The 2026 ESPY Awards, held on July 15 in New York City, was a star-studded event celebrating the year’s top athletes and their achievements. The ceremony, hosted by comedian Marcello Hernández, featured a mix of sports excellence and celebrity glamour, with several high-profile couples making appearances on the red carpet.
Among the notable attendees were NBA star Jalen Brunson and his wife, physical therapist Ali Marks, NFL defensive end Myles Garrett and his girlfriend, Olympic snowboarder Chloe Kim, and MLB pitcher Justin Verlander with his wife, model Kate Upton. The event highlighted not only individual accomplishments but also the strong bonds within the sports community.
Celebrity couples steal the spotlight
The red carpet at the 2026 ESPY Awards was graced by several celebrity couples who have made headlines both on and off the field. NBA star Stephen Curry and his wife, actress Ayesha Curry, attended the event, where Curry received the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award for his philanthropic work through the Eat Learn Play foundation.
Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, also made an appearance, adding to the list of power couples present. Boxer Jake Paul and his fiancée, Olympic speed skater Jutta Leerdam, were among the other notable pairs who attended the ceremony.
One of the most touching moments of the night came when Chloe Kim presented Myles Garrett with the award for Best Record-Breaking Performance. Garrett, who plays for the Los Angeles Rams, won the award for his impressive NFL single-season sack record of 23 in 2026. As he accepted the honor, Garrett thanked Kim for keeping his achievement a secret and expressed his gratitude for her support.
Jalen Brunson’s triumphant night
Jalen Brunson, the point guard for the New York Knicks, had a remarkable night at the 2026 ESPY Awards. He took home three prestigious awards: Best Athlete (Men’s Sports)Best NBA Player and Best Championship Performance. The Knicks also won the Best Team award, recognizing their successful season.
Brunson’s achievements were a highlight of the evening, showcasing his exceptional skills and leadership on the court. His wife, Ali Marks, stood by his side as he accepted his awards, demonstrating the strong support system that has contributed to his success.
Notable nominees and first-time winners
The 2026 ESPY Awards featured a diverse range of nominees across various categories. Among the top nominees were NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson, NFL star Myles Garrett, and MLB sensation Shohei Ohtani. The Las Vegas Aces, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Texas Longhorns were among the teams nominated for Best Team.
First-time nominees included Bam Adebayo, Lauren Betts, and Macklin Celebrini, who brought fresh energy to the event. Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson and alpine ski racer Mikaela Shiffrin were both seeking their second win in the Best Athlete (Women’s Sports) category, highlighting their continued dominance in their respective fields.
The 2026 ESPY Awards not only celebrated athletic achievements but also emphasized the importance of community and philanthropy. Stephen Curry’s receipt of the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award underscored the impact of his foundation’s work in Oakland, inspiring others to contribute to meaningful causes.
As the night came to a close, the 2026 ESPY Awards left a lasting impression, showcasing the best of sports and the strong bonds that unite the athletic community. The event served as a reminder of the power of sports to bring people together and inspire greatness both on and off the field.
