Marcello Hernández is set to host the 2026 ESPY Awards on Wednesday, July 15, putting the SNL star at the center of one of sports television’s biggest summer nights. The show will air at 8 p.m. PT/ET on ABC, with a live stream on + and on-demand viewing on Disney+/Hulu the next day.
The host announcement gives the broadcast its face, and it arrives just as viewers are looking for when and where to watch. The 2026 ESPYs will also be available through live TV services that carry ABC, while DirecTV offers a five-day free trial, Fubo is advertising $10 to $30 off the first month, Sling’s Blue Plan starts at $45.99 per month, Sling’s Orange & Blue plan starts at $60.99 per month and Hulu + Live TV starts at $89.99 per month.
Interest is being driven by the nominees, too. Jalen Brunson leads the 2026 field and is joined in the best athlete: men’s sports category by Lionel Messi, Shohei Ohtani and Matthew Stafford. The best athlete: women’s sports category includes Hilary Knight, Nelly Korda, Mikaela Shiffrin and A’ja Wilson. The ESPY Awards recognize the top athletic achievements and most memorable sports moments of 2026, which is why the lineup matters even before the telecast begins.
There is one catch for viewers who plan to watch online only: + carries the live stream, but it does not offer a free trial period. That makes the next best option depend on whether a household already has ABC through Live TV or is willing to wait until July 16, when the show becomes available on-demand on Disney+/Hulu. Hernández now has the job of carrying a broadcast that already has its date, platform and leading nominee, and the only question left is how he will shape the night when the lights come on.
Marcello Hernandez tapped to host 2026 ESPYs as New York returns
