Comedian Marcello Hernández is set to host the 2026 ESPY Awards, airing July 15 at 8 p.m. E.T. on ABC, with streaming options including the ESPN app and Disney+.
Marcello Hernández didn’t just build a career in comedy—he also spent years chasing stage time in New York, even before the spotlight found him.
Now, he’ll stand at the center of sports’ biggest night as the announced host of the 2026 ESPY Awards. The annual ceremony produced by ESPN. which honors major sports achievements. is scheduled to air July 15 at Lincoln Center during what ESPN has billed as the show’s “historic homecoming. ” returning to New York after more than two decades.
“I started doing comedy 10 years ago. in Cleveland. Ohio. and I would take the train 12 hours to New York to sell comedy tickets on the street in Greenwich Village in exchange for stage time. ” Hernández said in a statement. “It is an honor, and frankly feels crazy to be hosting the ESPYS this year in New York. I’m sure the energy is going to be great.”.
His ESPYs debut lands after a fast-moving stretch of work in television and stand-up. The hosting role follows the debut of his comedy special, “Marcello Hernández: American Boy,” which premiered in January 2026. He also recently closed out his fourth season on “Saturday Night Live. ” where he starred in breakout sketches including “Protective Mom” and “Immigrant Dad Talk Show.”.
Beyond comedy, Hernández is described as an avid sports fan who played collegiate-level soccer at John Carroll University.
ESPN is positioning the decision as a blend of fresh energy and hometown familiarity. Craig Lazarus, ESPN Vice President, said in a statement: “Marcello is one of the most electric, young comedians today. His genuine enthusiasm for sports and his ties to New York City make him a natural fit to host this year’s ESPYS. We are excited to partner with him to celebrate the best moments in sports and look forward to the fresh take he’ll bring to the show.”.
The 2026 ESPYs will also add to a lineup of past hosts that includes Jimmy Kimmel, LeBron James, Serena Williams and others.
The awards ceremony will air at 8 p.m. E.T. on ABC and stream on the ESPN app. Viewers will also be able to stream it on Disney+, Hulu, the ESPN App and ABC Video on Demand the next day.
Marcello Hernández 2026 ESPYs ESPN ABC Lincoln Center New York streaming Disney+ Hulu ESPN app