The 2026 ESPY Awards, held on July 15, 2026, at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City, served as a high-profile showcase for both athletic achievement and red-carpet fashion. While the evening focused on celebrating the year’s sports milestones—including the New York Knicks’ NBA championship success and Stephen Curry’s recognition with the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award—the event also highlighted the prominent couples within the professional sports community.
Attendees transitioned from the arena to the formal stage, with athletes and their partners presenting a series of coordinated ensembles. The following breakdown captures the notable pairs who appeared at the 2026 ESPY Awards, reflecting the intersection of professional sports culture and public-facing personal lives.
Notable Couples at the 2026 ESPY Awards
The red carpet featured a mix of veteran sports figures and emerging stars, each accompanied by their spouses or partners. Among the attendees was Mike Tyson, who arrived alongside his wife, Lakiha Spicer, and their son, Morocco Elijah Tyson. The family presence was a focal point for photographers as they navigated the event’s entrance.
Mike Tyson and Wife Lakiha Spicer (With Son Morocco)
US boxer and actor Mike Tyson with his wife Lakiha Spicer and their son Morocco Elijah Tyson attend the 2026 ESPY Awards at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York on July 15, 2026. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP via Getty Images)
The New York Knicks were well-represented, both through their team accolades and the presence of their personnel. Miles “Deuce” McBride attended with Ana Zortea. Additionally, the family of Jalen Brunson, the leader of the championship-winning squad, was present, including Rick and Sandra Brunson, accompanied by Ali Marks Brunson and Erica Brunson.
Miles “Deuce” McBride and Ana Zortea
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 15: (L-R) Miles “Deuce” McBride and Ana Zortea attend the 2026 ESPY Awards at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on July 15, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
Rick and Sandra Brunson (With Son Jalen of the NY Knicks and Wife Ali Marks Brunson, and Their Daughter Erica)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 15: (L-R) Erica Brunson, Rick Brunson, Sandra Brunson, Jalen Brunson and Ali Marks Brunson attend the 2026 ESPY Awards at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on July 15, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/FilmMagic)
Other prominent figures from the sports and entertainment sectors also walked the carpet. Karl-Anthony Towns appeared with Jordyn Woods, while Simone Biles attended with Jonathan Owens. The event also saw actor Wendell Pierce in attendance with Erika Woods.
Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordyn Woods
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 15: (L-R) Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordyn Woods attend the 2026 ESPY Awards at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on July 15, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/FilmMagic)
Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 15: Jonathan Owens and Simone Biles attend the 2026 ESPY Awards at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on July 15, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)
Erika Woods and Actor Wendell Pierce
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 15: (L-R) Erika Woods and Wendell Pierce attend the 2026 ESPY Awards at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on July 15, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/FilmMagic)
Athletic Philanthropy and Professional Achievement
The 2026 ESPY Awards placed a significant emphasis on off-field impact. Stephen Curry, who attended with his wife Ayesha Curry, was honored with the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award. This recognition highlights the ongoing trend of athletes leveraging their public platforms for philanthropic endeavors, a theme that defined the evening alongside the competitive achievements of the New York Knicks.
Ayesha Curry and Steph Curry
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 15: Ayesha Curry and Steph Curry attend the 2026 ESPY Awards at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on July 15, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)
Rounding out the notable attendees, Dion Dawkins was seen on the carpet with Daiyaana Muhammad. As the sports world looks forward to the next season of competition, these moments of recognition serve to highlight the personal support systems that often accompany athletes throughout their professional careers.
Dion Dawkins and Daiyaana Muhammad
US football player Dion Dawkins and Daiyaana Muhammad attend the 2026 ESPY Awards at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York on July 15, 2026. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP via Getty Images)
The 2026 ESPY Awards concluded with the presentation of various accolades for athletic excellence. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts on the night’s fashion highlights and award winners in the comments section below.