The 34th annual "ESPY Awards" ceremony is here, with the biggest names in sport set to be celebrated on the night.
Here's how to watch "ESPY Awards" 2026 online and from anywhere with a VPN and potentially for FREE.
You can watch "ESPY Awards" 2026 on ABC in the U.S. with the ceremony airing on Wednesday, July 15. You can also catch the show on ESPN+.
• FREE — Watch on ABC via YouTube TV
• U.S. — ABC via YouTube TV / ESPN+
• Australia — ESPN / Kayo Sports
• Watch anywhere — with NordVPN
Since 1993, the "ESPY Awards" have become one of the most prestigious awards in the sporting world. Known as the Oscars for sports, the Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards are largely driven by what the fans want rather than journalists or official judges.
This year, comedian and "Saturday Night Live" star Marcello Hernández will host the ceremony. In a change of pace, the show has returned to New York for the first time in four years, too, with the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center the venue for this year's event.
Read on for everything you need to know about how to watch "ESPY Awards" 2026 online from anywhere and potentially for free.
How to watch 'ESPY Awards' 2026 for FREE
Viewers in America can catch the "ESPY Awards" 2026 for free by signing up to a free-trial of YouTube TV and accessing ABC that way.
The only catch is you'll have to pay for the service once your free trial ends. That costs $67.99/month for the first five months, and $82.99/month thereafter.
How to watch 'ESPY Awards' 2026 from anywhere
Away from home at the moment and blocked from watching "ESPY Awards" 2026 on your usual subscription or streaming service?
You can still watch the show thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network which makes your device appear to be in another country. Our favorite is NordVPN. It's the best on the market:
How to watch 'ESPY Awards' 2026 in the U.S.
American viewers can watch the "ESPY Awards" on ABC on Wednesday, July 15 at 8 p.m. ET. It is also available to stream on ESPN+.
Don't have cable? ABC is available to stream via YouTube TV and you can get a free trial of that service. Sling TVand Fubo are other options.
Abroad? NordVPN can unlock your stream of "ESPY Awards" 2026.
Can you watch 'ESPY Awards' 2026 in Canada?
In Canada, there is no official broadcast or streaming service plan for the "ESPY Awards" this year.
The best solution is to get NordVPN and unlock your stream of "ESPY Awards" 2026.
Can you watch 'ESPY Awards' 2026 in the U.K.?
The "ESPY Awards" 2026 will not be broadcast in the U.K. on any linear TV channel or streaming platform.
The solution? Use NordVPN to change your location and watch "ESPY Awards" 2026 from anywhere.
How to watch 'ESPY Awards' 2026 in Australia
If you're in Australia, you can watch the "ESPY Awards" 2026 on ESPN via Disney+ or tune in to Kayo Sports for a live broadcast.
If you're just visiting Oz, you can can gain access to your usual streaming services with NordVPN.
'ESPY Awards' - Need to Know
Who has hosted the ceremony in the past?
- Shane Gillis (2025)
- Serena Williams (2024)
- Steph Curry (2022)
- Anthony Mackie (2021)
- Russell Wilson, Megan Rapinoe, Sue Bird (2020)
- Tracy Morgan (2019)
- Danica Patrick (2018)
- Peyton Manning (2017)
- John Cena (2016)
- Joel McHale (2015)
- Drake (2014)
- Jon Hamm (2013)
- Rob Riggle (2012)
- Seth Meyers (2011 and 2010)
- Samuel L. Jackson (2009)
- Justin Timberlake (2008)
- LeBron James and Jimmy Kimmel (2007)
- Lance Armstrong (2006)
- Matthew Perry (2005)
- Jamie Foxx (2004 and 2003)
- Samuel L. Jackson (2002 and 2001)
- Jimmy Smits (2000)
- Samuel L. Jackson (1999)
- Norm Macdonald (1998)
- Jeff Foxworthy (1997)
- Tony Danza (1996)
- John Goodman (1995)
- Dennis Miller (1994 and 1993)
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- How to watch ESPN without cable
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