Jalen Brunson, A'ja Wilson headline basketball winners at 2026 ESPYS

The celebrations continue for Jalen Brunson, who won several ESPYS at Wednesday’s ceremony.

Every year, the biggest names in sports and entertainment come together at the ESPYS to recognize the greatest athletic performances, moments and achievements of the past year.

This year, the 2026 ESPYS were hosted by comedian Marcello Hernández in New York City. The ESPYS pay tribute to some of the most influential figures in sports while raising awareness for the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson was nominated for three categories:

Best Athlete – Men’s Sports, Best Championship Performance,

and

Best NBA Player

– taking home all three awards

. He joined his teammates in earning a

Best Team

nomination after beating the San Antonio Spurs 4-1 in the

2026 NBA Finals

to end their 53-year championship drought, which they won later in the night.

Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo had been nominated for the

Best Single-Game Performance

with his 83-point performance in March.

On the women’s side, Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson earned her second win for

Best Athlete – Women’s Sports

, completing her second “double” after claiming

Best WNBA Player

as well. Washington Mystics center Lauren Betts was named

Best College Athlete – Women’s Sports

for her play at UCLA

.

From Jalen Brunson to A’ja Wilson, check out the notable winners from the NBA and WNBA:

NBA

Best Championship Performance:

Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks

Best Athlete – Men’s Sports:

Best NBA Player:

Best Team:

New York Knicks

Best Play:

OG Anunoby, New York Knicks

Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award:

Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

Arthur Ashe Courage Award:

Jason Collins

WNBA

Best WNBA Player:

A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces

Best Athlete – Women’s Sports:

Best College Athlete – Women’s Sports:

Lauren Betts, UCLA Women’s Basketball