Jalen Brunson has solidified his status as a sports icon in New York after leading the New York Knicks to an NBA championship, and now he’s poised to take the spotlight again as a nominee for the 2026 ESPYS. The full list of nominees was announced by ESPN on Thursday, with the awards ceremony set to air live from the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City on July 15 at 8 p.m. ET.
Brunson has been nominated for multiple prestigious awards, including Best Athlete in Men's Sports and Best NBA Player. This recognition comes after an outstanding season where he showcased exceptional skill and leadership, triumphing over the San Antonio Spurs and their rising star, Victor Wembanyama, in the NBA Finals.
Brunson vs. Wembanyama: A Rivalry Reignited
As the NBA category nominee, Brunson will again face off against Wembanyama, who has rapidly ascended as one of the most electrifying talents in the league. Their rivalry encapsulates a new generation of basketball, with both players demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure. Winning this award would add yet another layer to Brunson's already illustrious career, cementing his legacy in New York basketball.
A Star-Studded Field
Brunson's nominations are not limited to just basketball. In the running for the best male athlete, he will compete against global icons such as Lionel Messi, the soccer sensation, and Shohei Ohtani, the two-way baseball star making waves in Major League Baseball. Ohtani isn’t just competing against Brunson; he is also nominated for the Best Single-Game Performance and the Best MLB Player, further confirming his extraordinary versatility and prowess on the field.
Meanwhile, the women’s category is equally competitive, featuring A’ja Wilson who led the Las Vegas Aces to a WNBA title and achieved impressive accolades such as the regular season MVP and WNBA Finals MVP. Wilson will be in contention against elite athletes like Olympians Mikaela Shiffrin and Hilary Knight and golf standout Nelly Korda, highlighting the remarkable achievements of women in sports.
Complete List of Nominations
The nominations extend beyond individual accolades, with a wide variety of categories recognizing achievements across all major sports. Here’s the complete list:
- BEST ATHLETE, MEN'S SPORTS
- BEST ATHLETE, WOMEN'S SPORTS
- BEST BREAKTHROUGH ATHLETE
- BEST RECORD-BREAKING PERFORMANCE
- BEST CHAMPIONSHIP PERFORMANCE
- BEST COMEBACK ATHLETE
- BEST PLAY
- BEST TEAM
- BEST SINGLE-GAME PERFORMANCE
- BEST COLLEGE ATHLETE, MEN'S SPORTS
- BEST COLLEGE ATHLETE, WOMEN'S SPORTS
- BEST ATHLETE WITH A DISABILITY
- BEST NFL PLAYER
- BEST MLB PLAYER
- BEST NHL PLAYER
- BEST NBA PLAYER
- BEST WNBA PLAYER
- BEST DRIVER
- BEST FIGHTER
- BEST SOCCER PLAYER
- BEST GOLFER
- BEST TENNIS PLAYER
Fans eager to support their favorite athletes can cast their votes at ESPYS.com, engaging in a celebration of sporting excellence that has become a hallmark of the ESPYS tradition.
Looking Ahead to the Ceremony
As the awards ceremony approaches, anticipation builds not only around the nominees but also the celebrations of athletic achievement across all sports. The ESPYS serves as a unified platform to honor the triumphs of exceptional athletes who have overcome challenges, displayed remarkable skills, and inspired millions. As Brunson and others await the results, the excitement for the event continues to grow in the bustling atmosphere of New York City, reminding everyone of the enduring spirit of sportsmanship.
