The most prestigious night in the sporting world is fast approaching as the 2026 ESPY Awards officially open their doors to fan participation. ESPN has announced the full slate of nominees for this year’s ceremony, inviting fans across the globe to weigh in on the top performances, miraculous moments, and standout athletes from the past year of competition. With a field that includes generational talents like Shohei Ohtani, A'ja Wilson, and Jalen Brunson, the 2026 ballot reflects one of the most competitive years in recent sports history.
The 2026 ESPY Awards Nominees: A Global Field
The 2026 ESPY Awards nominees represent the pinnacle of achievement across the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, and beyond. Leading the charge are athletes who have not only dominated their respective leagues but have also transcended their sports to become cultural icons. The nomination list serves as a recap of a year defined by broken records and high-stakes drama.
Among the headliners is MLB sensation Shohei Ohtani, whose continued excellence as a two-way force remains a central storyline in professional baseball. Joining him in the spotlight is WNBA superstar A'ja Wilson, who has spent the last year further cementing her legacy as one of the greatest to ever play the game. From the NBA, Jalen Brunson earns a well-deserved nod following a season where his leadership and scoring prowess reached new heights, captivating fans and voters alike.
Spotlight on Key Categories
The ESPYS are unique in how they categorize success, looking beyond simple box scores to find the heart of athletic competition. While the "Best Athlete" categories often garner the most headlines, the 2026 awards feature a wide array of honors, including:
- Best Athlete, Men's Sports: Featuring a mix of international stars and domestic league leaders.
- Best Athlete, Women's Sports: A category dominated by the rising tide of women's basketball and soccer.
- Best Breakthrough Athlete: Recognizing the newcomers who took their leagues by storm over the last 12 months.
- Best Record-Breaking Performance: For the moments that rewrote the history books.
In addition to these individual accolades, the 2026 ESPY Awards will celebrate the Best Team and Best Game, ensuring that the collective efforts of rosters across the MLS, NFL, and other major leagues are recognized. For MLS fans, the "Best MLS Player" category remains a point of high interest as the league continues its rapid growth and attracts global attention.
The Significance of the Fan Vote
What sets the ESPYS apart from other major award ceremonies is the direct involvement of the fans. While many professional awards are decided by media members or players, the ESPYS empower the audience to decide who takes home the silver trophy. This year, the stakes feel higher than ever as the debate between traditional powerhouses and emerging stars reaches a fever pitch.
The inclusion of Jalen Brunson and A'ja Wilson highlights the shifting landscape of sports media and fan engagement. Both athletes have built massive followings not just through their play, but through their impact on the community and their presence in the modern sports conversation. Voting provides fans a platform to validate the hard work and dedication these athletes have displayed throughout the 2025-2026 seasons.
How to Cast Your Ballot for the 2026 ESPYS
Participating in the selection process is straightforward. Fans can head directly to the official ESPN ESPYS voting page to view the complete list of categories and nominees. The interface allows users to select their favorites in each category before submitting their final ballot. With 2026 ESPY Awards nominees spanning dozens of categories, voters are encouraged to review the full list to ensure their favorite athletes from every league receive the recognition they deserve.
As the countdown to the ceremony begins, the sports world will be watching closely to see which stars will walk away with the hardware. Whether it is the dominance of Shohei Ohtani or the clutch performances of Jalen Brunson, the results are now in the hands of the public. Be sure to cast your vote before the deadline to make your voice heard in the definitive celebration of the year in sports.
Sources & Original Reporting
- ESPN APIVote for the 2026 ESPYS winners
