The ESPY Awards

Watch The ESPY Awards

  • 2009

The ESPY Awards is an annual sports awards ceremony that is presented by ABC in the United States. The show features a range of different awards and honors that are given out to athletes, teams, and other individuals who have achieved significant accomplishments in the world of sports in the previous year.

The name "ESPY" comes from the acronym for Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly, which reflects the focus of the awards on recognizing outstanding performances and achievements. The awards show has been held since 1993 and has become a popular fixture in the sports calendar, drawing in viewers from around the world.

Each year, the ESPY Awards feature a number of different categories that cover a variety of sports and athletic achievements. Some of the key categories include Best Male and Female Athlete, Best Team, Best Comeback Athlete, Best Play, and Best Record-Breaking Performance. There are also awards for specific sports such as Best NFL Player, Best MLB Player, and Best NBA Player.

The ESPY Awards are known for their star-studded guest list, with many of the top athletes and sports figures attending the ceremony each year. Presenters and performers have included sports legends like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Muhammad Ali, as well as celebrities from other fields such as Samuel L. Jackson, Justin Timberlake, and Beyoncé.

The show also features a range of entertainment segments, including musical performances, comedy sketches, and special tributes to athletes who have passed away or overcome adversity. In addition, there are often inspirational stories and testimonials from athletes who have experienced personal challenges or come from difficult backgrounds.

One of the key elements of the ESPY Awards is the emphasis on social responsibility and community engagement. The show frequently features segments that highlight charitable organizations and initiatives that are working to make a positive difference in sports and society as a whole. This has included fundraising efforts for organizations like the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund and the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

Overall, the ESPY Awards is an exciting and entertaining celebration of the best in sports, featuring a wide range of awards, performances, and inspiring stories. With its focus on excellence, community, and social responsibility, it has become one of the most anticipated and revered events in the world of sports.

The ESPY Awards
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The 2025 ESPYS Presented by Capital One
1. The 2025 ESPYS Presented by Capital One
July 16, 2025
Live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Former NBA player Oscar Robertson will be honored with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage for his fight to establish free agency in the NBA. Penn State University women's volleyball head coach, Katie Schumacher-Cawley, will receive the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance for leading her team to the NCAA Women's Volleyball Championship while battling breast cancer. Greater Los Angeles first responders and former athletes David Walters and Erin Regan will receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service, an award given to a person with a strong connection to sports.
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  • Premiere Date
    July 19, 2009