Comedian Marcello Hernández is set to host the 2026 ESPY Awards.
The annual award ceremony produced by ESPN, which honors the greatest achievements in sports, is set to air on July 15. Hernández will host at Lincoln Center during what ESPN has dubbed the “historic homecoming” for the show as it returns to New York after over two decades.
“I started doing comedy 10 years ago, in Cleveland, Ohio, and I would take the train 12 hours to New York to sell comedy tickets on the street in Greenwich Village in exchange for stage time,” the “Saturday Night Live” star said in a statement. “It is an honor, and frankly feels crazy to be hosting the ESPYS this year in New York. I’m sure the energy is going to be great.”
Marcello Hernandez attends the 31st annual Critics Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California, Jan. 4, 2026.
Hernández’s role follows the debut of his comedy special, “Marcello Hernández: American Boy,” which premiered in January 2026. He also recently closed out his fourth season on “SNL,” where he starred in breakout sketches including “Protective Mom” and “Immigrant Dad Talk Show.”
He is also described as an “avid sports fan” who played collegiate-level soccer at John Carroll University.
Hernández will join a roster of sports and entertainment personalities who previously hosted the ESPYs, including Jimmy Kimmel, LeBron James, Serena Williams and more.
“Marcello is one of the most electric, young comedians today. His genuine enthusiasm for sports and his ties to New York City make him a natural fit to host this year’s ESPYS,” said ESPN Vice President Craig Lazarus in a statement. “We are excited to partner with him to celebrate the best moments in sports and look forward to the fresh take he’ll bring to the show.”
How to watch the 2026 ESPYs
The awards ceremony will air at 8 p.m. E.T. on ABC and stream on the ESPN app. It will also be available to stream on Disney+, Hulu, the ESPN App and ABC Video on Demand the next day.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ‘SNL’ star Marcello Hernandez set to host 2026 ESPYs
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