The 2026 ESPY Awards brought together top athletes, entertainers and designers for an evening where athletic achievement met red-carpet fashion at New York’s David H. Koch Theater in Lincoln Center.
Hosts, highlights and a closing performance
Comedian Marcello Hernández served as host for the ceremony, which celebrated the year’s standout sports performances. The show closed with a live performance by rapper Fat Joe, who energized the audience with “All the Way Up.”
Notable arrivals and standout looks
The red carpet mixed relaxed tailoring and high-glam eveningwear. Actor and comedian Kevin Hart opted for a casual, summery vibe in a tan suit paired with a white T-shirt. Former NFL quarterback Russell Wilson also arrived on the carpet, joining a roster of athletes and partners showcasing designers and couture.
Basketball stars and their partners made strong fashion statements. Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry attended with his wife, Ayesha Curry, who chose a sheer black strapless gown by Christian Siriano. New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns wore Gucci, while his fiancée, Jordyn Woods, donned gold Oscar de la Renta paired with Christian Louboutin sandals.
Indianapolis Colts safety Jonathan Owens arrived with his wife, decorated gymnast Simone Biles, who was wearing Eman Alajlan.
Fashion takeaways
The evening illustrated two clear red-carpet tendencies: a relaxed take on menswear with casual elements layered under classic suits, and dramatic, high-glam gowns for partners and guests. Accessories — notably statement shoes and metallics — played a large role in elevating looks.
- Tone mixing: casual T-shirts under tailored suits, as seen on Kevin Hart.
- Couture and celebrity: established designers like Christian Siriano and Oscar de la Renta remained visible choices.
- Performance closure: Fat Joe’s set capped a ceremony that balanced sport, style and entertainment.
Who attended and why it matters
The ESPYs continue to be a unique intersection of sports achievement and pop culture, drawing athletes, entertainers and their stylist teams. For fans and fashion watchers alike, the event is a seasonal marker: it showcases the personalities of athletes off the field and provides a preview of trends that will appear across award-season red carpets and social feeds.
| Attendee | Look / Designer |
|---|---|
| Kevin Hart | Tan suit with white T-shirt |
| Stephen Curry | Attended with Ayesha Curry (Christian Siriano) |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | Gucci |
| Jordyn Woods | Gold Oscar de la Renta, Christian Louboutin |
| Simone Biles | Eman Alajlan |
Overall, the 2026 ESPYs reaffirmed the ceremony’s role as both an athletic awards show and a fashion moment. Expect social feeds to keep replaying the evening’s looks and for stylists to mine these appearances for upcoming trends.
