The 2026 ESPY Awards celebrated another unforgettable year in sports while showcasing some of the most stylish red carpet appearances of the season. Hosted at Lincoln Center, the event brought together elite athletes, celebrities, and sports personalities who exchanged jerseys and uniforms for elegant gowns, tailored suits, and statement-making accessories. From Olympic champions to NBA superstars, the 2026 ESPY Awards best dressed list featured a mix of timeless glamour and modern fashion trends.
Sparkle Dominated the 2026 ESPY Awards Red Carpet
One of the biggest fashion trends at the 2026 ESPY Awards was sparkle. Sequins, metallic fabrics, and crystal embellishments defined the evening, reflecting the championship victories and Olympic success celebrated throughout the year.
Olympic freestyle skiing champion Eileen Gu made one of the most memorable entrances in a breathtaking metallic gown by Guo Pei. The gold-inspired design featured elegant pleats and luxurious detailing, paying tribute to her Winter Olympics triumph earlier this year.
Former Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn also embraced shimmering elegance in an asymmetrical Gucci gown. Her sophisticated silhouette combined classic Hollywood glamour with a contemporary edge, making her one of the night’s standout fashion stars.
Adding even more sparkle to the carpet, Jordyn Woods arrived alongside New York Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns in a crystal-covered Oscar de la Renta gown. The figure-hugging dress perfectly complemented the celebratory atmosphere surrounding the Knicks’ remarkable championship season.
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Alysa Liu Chooses Elegant Simplicity
While many celebrities embraced glitter and metallic finishes, Olympic figure skating champion Alysa Liu opted for understated luxury. She wore a rich brown Louis Vuitton gown featuring a dramatic plunging cowl neckline.
Her minimalist look stood out because of its refined tailoring and sophisticated color palette. Instead of relying on sparkle, Liu demonstrated that timeless elegance can make an equally powerful statement on the red carpet.
Celebrity Couples Stole the Spotlight
Fashion wasn’t limited to individual stars at the 2026 ESPY Awards. Several celebrity couples delivered coordinated and stylish appearances that quickly became fan favorites.
Comedian and Saturday Night Live star Marcello Hernández, who hosted the ceremony, looked sharp in a classic tailored suit while posing with his girlfriend, Ana Amelia Batlle Cabral. Their polished style perfectly matched the event’s upscale atmosphere.
Another highly anticipated appearance came from Ayesha Curry and NBA superstar Steph Curry. The couple once again showcased effortless sophistication, proving why they remain one of sports’ most fashionable duos.
Knicks Champions Celebrate in Style
Fresh off one of the most successful seasons in franchise history, members of the New York Knicks made a major impact on the red carpet.
Team captain Jalen Brunson attended the ceremony with his wife, Ali Marks Brunson, celebrating both championship success and personal milestones. Their coordinated formalwear reflected the confidence and excitement surrounding the team’s historic achievement.
Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordyn Woods continued the Knicks’ fashion momentum with one of the evening’s most talked-about appearances.
A Heartwarming ESPY Awards Moment
Beyond the glamorous fashion, the ceremony featured several memorable moments that highlighted the strong relationships within the sports community.
Olympic snowboarder Chloe Kim surprised NFL defensive star Myles Garrett by presenting him with one of the night’s awards. Their heartfelt interaction became one of the ceremony’s most touching highlights, reminding viewers that the ESPYs celebrate sportsmanship as much as athletic excellence.
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Red Carpet Fashion Reflects a Remarkable Sports Year
The 2026 ESPY Awards honored an extraordinary year in sports that included championship victories, Olympic achievements, and unforgettable performances across multiple leagues. The red carpet reflected that winning spirit through bold fashion choices, luxurious fabrics, and confident styling.
Metallic gowns, crystal embellishments, structured tailoring, and elegant minimalist designs all found their place during the evening. Whether it was Eileen Gu’s golden couture, Lindsey Vonn’s shimmering Gucci masterpiece, Alysa Liu’s refined Louis Vuitton look, or the coordinated appearances from Steph and Ayesha Curry, every outfit celebrated success both on and off the field.
As sports continue to influence fashion and popular culture, the 2026 ESPY Awards best dressed stars proved that style remains an important part of every championship celebration. The event successfully combined athletic excellence with high fashion, creating one of the year’s most memorable red carpet showcases.
