The ESPYS Spotlight: A’ja Wilson’s Quest for History
The 2026 ESPYS, scheduled for July 15 at New York’s Lincoln Center, will shine a spotlight on the WNBA’s brightest stars as the ceremony honors the league’s top performers. The live broadcast will air on ABC and stream on the ESPN App, bringing the celebration of athletic excellence to a national audience.
A’ja Wilson, the four‑time MVP and the only player to earn that distinction in WNBA history, is poised to make history again. She is one of five nominees for the ‘Best Athlete’ award and is chasing a milestone that only six athletes have previously achieved — multiple wins in the category.
Wilson’s dominance this season is underscored by her 23.4 points per game and 2.3 blocks per game, numbers that helped the Las Vegas Aces clinch the 2025 championship. Her pursuit of a repeat ‘Best Athlete’ accolade places her alongside other nominees who have also turned in historic performances.
Napheesa Collier has made WNBA history by becoming the first player to average over 20 points while shooting a 50/40/90 efficiency line, a feat that highlights her all‑around brilliance. Alyssa Thomas shattered the single‑season assist record with 9.2 dishes per game, complementing her 15.4 points and 8.8 rebounds per game.
Allisha Gray contributed 18.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game last season, while track star Mikaela Shiffrin also enters the conversation, adding depth to a field that reflects the growing visibility of women’s sports across disciplines.
The ESPYS ceremony itself will be held at Lincoln Center in New York City on July 15, 2026, marking a marquee moment for the WNBA as the league continues to expand its cultural footprint. Fans can expect a night that celebrates not just individual excellence but the broader rise of women’s athletics on a global stage.