ESPN has tapped SNL breakout Marcello Hernández to host the 2026 ESPYs. The awards show, created in 1993, will air live on Wednesday, July 15, from the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City on ABC and stream via the ESPN App.
Marcello Hernández is set to walk into the sports spotlight with a comedy twist.
ESPN announced on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, that Hernández—the standout star from Saturday Night Live—will host the 2026 ESPYs. The ceremony is scheduled to air live on Wednesday, July 15, coming from the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City, with coverage on ABC and streaming available through the ESPN App.
For ESPN, it’s another sign that the network wants the awards to feel less like a formal ceremony and more like a night that moves between sports and mainstream entertainment. The ESPYs are produced by ESPN, created in 1993, and will land under the same live, marquee spotlight this July.
Hernández’s selection also continues a run of comedic hosting. He becomes the second comedic host in a row after Shane Gillis hosted the 2025 ceremony. Other recent hosts include Serena Williams, Stephen Curry, Anthony Mackie, Peyton Manning, and John Cena.
The public reaction to the announcement has split along familiar lines—some fans welcomed the idea immediately, others admitted they simply didn’t know who they were getting.
One commenter called it a “really good pick,” praising Hernández’s “impressions are next level” and saying he brings “that fun energy.” That fan also seemed relieved the ESPYs may lean into laughter rather than settle into “the same old stuff.”
Another response paired Hernández with a specific SNL moment, posting a GIF of his impression of Sebastian Maniscalco from SNL with the caption, “Why do they do that?”
Not every reaction was glowing. Some wrote that they didn’t know Hernández at all, including one blunt post: “No one knows this guy.”
Hernández’s path to this hosting role isn’t a mystery to many SNL viewers, even if it’s new to others. He has been part of SNL since 2022, breaking through during his time on the cast. Off-screen, he has also expanded into film, appearing in Happy Gilmore 2 as he launched his movie career.
His next slate includes a role in the Kevin Hart-led 72 Hours movie for Netflix. He’s also set to lend his voice to upcoming films The Angry Birds Movie 3 and Shrek 5.
With the date set—Wednesday, July 15 at 8 PM ET—the question now isn’t whether Hernández can bring energy to the stage. It’s whether that “fun energy” will translate into a ceremony that satisfies the longtime sports crowd while still opening the door to viewers who come for the comedy.
ESPN 2026 ESPYs Marcello Hernández SNL Saturday Night Live ABC Lincoln Center David H. Koch Theater Shane Gillis Serena Williams Stephen Curry Peyton Manning Anthony Mackie John Cena