The biggest stars in the sporting world are once again converging for one of the most prestigious nights in athletics. Voting has officially opened for the 2026 ESPYS, giving fans the opportunity to determine which athletes, teams, and moments defined the past year of competition. This year’s list of 2026 ESPYS nominees features a powerhouse lineup of generational talents, including Shohei Ohtani, A’ja Wilson, and Jalen Brunson, alongside the elite performers of Major League Soccer who have captivated North American audiences.
The 2026 ESPYS Nominees: A Clash of Icons
The nomination list for the 2026 ESPYS reflects a year of historic milestones across every major North American league. The competition is tighter than ever, as athletes from the MLB, WNBA, and NBA have all posted career-defining statistics that make the "Best Athlete" categories a true toss-up for fans.
Shohei Ohtani’s Continued Dominance
Leading the pack is Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani, whose dual-threat capabilities continue to captivate the baseball world. Ohtani remains a perennial favorite in the Best MLB Player and Best Athlete categories. His statistical output in the 2025 and 2026 seasons has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is considered possible in modern professional sports, making him a central figure in this year's voting cycle.
A’ja Wilson and the WNBA’s Golden Era
Joining him in the upper echelon of nominees is A’ja Wilson. The Las Vegas Aces center has solidified her place as the face of the WNBA, coming off a season defined by defensive dominance and offensive efficiency. Wilson’s inclusion among the 2026 ESPYS nominees highlights the continued meteoric rise of women’s basketball and her specific role in elevating the sport to new heights of viewership and engagement.
Jalen Brunson Leads the NBA Charge
In the NBA circuit, Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks has earned his spot among the elite. Brunson’s leadership and scoring prowess have transformed the Knicks into a consistent championship contender, making him a central figure in the Best NBA Player discussion this year. His journey from a high-value free agent to a legitimate MVP candidate is one of the most compelling narratives for fans heading to the voting booths.
Major League Soccer Nominees: Messi and the New Guard
As Major League Soccer continues its rapid expansion and growth in global relevance, the 2026 ESPYS nominees for Best MLS Player represent the highest level of talent the league has ever seen. With the 2026 World Cup arriving on North American soil, the domestic league has seen an influx of international interest and high-caliber performances that have made the MLS category more competitive than ever.
Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez: The Inter Miami Factor
Unsurprisingly, Lionel Messi leads the nominations for Best MLS Player. His continued brilliance at Inter Miami CF has not only brought trophies to South Florida but has also elevated the league's global standing. Joining him is teammate Luis Suárez, whose clinical finishing and veteran leadership have made Inter Miami the most talked-about team in the league. Their presence on the ballot reflects a year where the "Herons" dominated headlines and the standings alike.
Cucho Hernández and Luciano Acosta: The Tactical Elites
Beyond the star power in Miami, the 2026 ESPYS nominees also recognize the tactical brilliance of Cucho Hernández and Luciano Acosta. Hernández has been a revelation for the Columbus Crew, leading them to deep playoff runs with his versatility and nose for the goal. Meanwhile, FC Cincinnati’s Luciano Acosta continues to be the league's premier playmaker, consistently leading MLS in assists and chances created. These four stars represent the diversity of talent currently residing in Major League Soccer.
Key Categories and What to Watch For
The ESPYS are unique in their ability to pit athletes from different disciplines against one another. Beyond the sport-specific awards, the "Best Athlete" categories for both men and women remain the most debated honors of the night. Here are some of the primary categories where fans can cast their votes:
- Best Athlete, Men's Sports: Featuring heavyweights like Ohtani, Messi, and top NFL quarterbacks.
- Best Athlete, Women's Sports: Where A'ja Wilson faces off against the best from the NWSL and Olympic disciplines.
- Best Breakthrough Athlete: Highlighting the newcomers who took their respective leagues by storm in 2025 and 2026.
- Best Championship Performance: Awarded to the individual who rose to the occasion when the stakes were highest.
- Best MLS Player: Celebrating the standout performer between Messi, Suárez, Hernández, and Acosta.
How to Participate in the 2026 ESPYS Voting
The power of the ESPYS lies in the hands of the fans. Unlike many other awards that are decided strictly by media panels or internal committees, the ESPYS rely on public input to crown the winners. Fans can visit the official ESPN voting portal to review the full list of 2026 ESPYS nominees and submit their ballots across all categories.
The voting window is typically brief, making it essential for supporters to act quickly to ensure their favorite athletes receive the recognition they deserve. Whether you are advocating for the dominance of the WNBA, the star power of the MLB, or the tactical brilliance of MLS, your vote plays a critical role in the outcome of the ceremony.
Stay tuned to Sport Syntax for further updates on the winners and a full breakdown of the 2026 ESPYS ceremony once the results are finalized. Make sure your voice is heard by casting your vote today!
Sources & Original Reporting
- ESPN APIVote for the 2026 ESPYS winners
