Rap Royalty and Baseball Entertainment Converge at 2026 ESPY Awards

The 2026 ESPYs will bring together hip-hop legends and a sports entertainment act in a lineup that blends music and athletics. ABC and the ESPN app will air the show from Lincoln Center's David H. Koch Theater, hosted by comedian Marcello Hernández, according to Deadline. Performers confirmed include Slick Rick, Ghostface Killah, De La Soul, and the Savannah Bananas, the exhibition baseball team known for choreographed routines.

Radio Facts News underscored the cultural weight of the booking, reporting that ABC has confirmed the hip-hop trio and the Bananas, calling it "a significant broadcast moment for Black music and urban radio stakeholders." The inclusion of three iconic rap acts on a major awards stage highlights ESPN's effort to reach a diverse audience.

Radio Facts NewsThree Hip-Hop Legends and Savannah Bananas Confirmed for 2026 ESPYS Broadcast on ABC

Deadline added that presenters for the evening will include singer Rauw Alejandro and Olympic track star Allyson Felix. The ceremony will be broadcast live on ABC and streamed on the ESPN app, expanding access beyond traditional television. The venue at Lincoln Center marks a shift from previous years, offering a formal setting for the annual sports honors.

"creating a significant broadcast moment for Black music and urban radio stakeholders."

The blend of old-school hip-hop and a viral sports act reflects a broader trend in awards programming, where networks mix nostalgia with novelty to attract viewers. The Savannah Bananas, in particular, bring a carnival-like energy that contrasts with the typically stately ESPYs format, promising an unpredictable moment during the broadcast.