The ESPY Awards return to celebrate the best in sports over the past year. We’ve put together everything you need to know about how to watch the ESPYs, including live streaming options for those without cable or antenna. SNL star Marcello Hernandez will host the 2026 ESPY Awards. If you’re hoping to tune in, you’ve
The ESPY Awards return to celebrate the best in sports over the past year. We’ve put together everything you need to know about how to watch the ESPYs, including live streaming options for those without cable or antenna.
SNL star Marcello Hernandez will host the 2026 ESPY Awards. If you’re hoping to tune in, you’ve come to the right place. The ESPYs will air on ABC and will be available to live stream on services like ESPN Unlimited, YouTube TV, and Fubo in the US. You can access your favorite watching options from anywhere with a VPN.
How to watch the ESPYs in the US
The ESPY Awards are broadcast on ABC in the United States. The event officially begins on Wednesday at 8 pm ET. An ESPY preview show airs on ESPN at 7 p.m., but the network will not air the actual event.
Those without cable or antenna have a few options to stream ABC live. The sports streaming counterpart to ESPN and ABC is ESPN Unlimited, which costs $30 a month and carries live broadcasts from all of ESPN’s linear networks (along with ESPN on ABC programming and exclusive streaming content).
Unlimited ESPN
ESPN Unlimited has everything from ESPN Plus, plus everything ESPN’s linear networks have to offer, along with some exclusive events not found on the broadcast channels.
If you prefer a streaming app with additional channels beyond those owned by ESPN/Disney, then a live TV streaming service might be of interest to you. YouTube TV is one of the best options on the market right now, and it even has a free trial for new customers. ABC is available on both the main YouTube TV plan and the sports plan. The main plan usually costs $83 a month, but a limited-time offer can help cut your first five months to just $68 a month. The sports plan normally costs $65 a month, but a limited-time offer will drop the price to $55 a month for a full year.
YouTube TV Core Plan
The main YouTube TV plan offers more than 100 channels, from local networks to cable favorites.
Fubo is another popular live TV service with ABC and other key channels. Plans start at $65 a month for a Sports + News subscription, but new users can get $10 off their first month of service. ABC is also available in the more expensive Pro and Elite plans, which can be a good option for those looking for a more comprehensive cable alternative beyond sports and news. Fubo plans also unlock access to ESPN Unlimited.
Fubo Sports + News
The new Fubo Sports + News package is only available in select areas. Combines more than 20 major sports channels (including the new ESPN Unlimited) and select local networks (ABC, CBS and FOX).
How to watch the ESPYs from anywhere
If you’re traveling abroad, you can keep up with your usual streaming options with the help of a VPN. Short for virtual private networks, VPNs are useful technological tools that allow people to modify their virtual locations. This way, your favorite websites and apps work from anywhere, just like they would at home. Since the services we’ve highlighted require American payment methods, this option will work best for Americans who are simply traveling away from home right now.
NordVPN is one of the best VPNs on the market. It’s fast, easy to use, and comes with several cybersecurity benefits. You can learn more about the service in our official NordVPN review.
NordVPN Subscription
NordVPN tops the list of best VPN services. It offers excellent value, with a solid feature set and a low monthly price. A wide selection of international servers, high-level security, fast connections, and audited privacy protection have made the brand a household name in the VPN world for a reason.
Where are the ESPYs held?
The ESPYs will take place at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York.
Who is nominated for this year’s ESPYs?
Some of the top nominees for the 2026 ESPYs include Jalen Brunson, Lionel Messi, Shohei Ohtani and Matthew Stafford for Best Athlete (Men’s Sports), and Hilary Knight, Nelly Korda, Mikaela Shiffrin and A’ja Wilson for Best Athlete (Women’s Sports).
Las Vegas Aces, Los Angeles Dodgers, Indiana Hoosiers (NCAA Football), Carolina Hurricanes, New York Knicks, Texas Longhorns (NCAA Softball), Seattle Seahawks, US Men’s Hockey Team and Team USA Women’s Hockey are nominated for Best Team.
Who will perform at the ESPYs?
Simone Biles, Allyson Felix, Eileen Gu, Tiffany Haddish, Kevin Hart, DJ Khaled, Chloe Kim, Billie Jean King, Pat McAfee, Ilona Maher, French Montana, Tracy Morgan, Kevin Negandhi, Jake Paul, Oz Pearlman, Robin Roberts, Jayson Tatum, Mike Tyson and Lindsey Vonn are among the presenters scheduled for this year. Will Ferrell will also make a special appearance.
Note: Using VPNs is illegal in certain countries, and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content may violate the terms of use of some services. Business Insider does not endorse or condone illegal VPN use.
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