Marcello Hernández to Host 2025 ESPY Awards in New York City
The landscape of sports broadcasting is shifting as ESPN officially announced that comedian and Saturday Night Live breakout star Marcello Hernández will host the 2025 ESPY Awards. The ceremony, which celebrates the year’s most significant achievements in athletics, is set for July 15, 2025, at the historic David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City.
This year’s event marks a major milestone for the franchise, as it returns to New York City for the first time since 1999. For the past quarter-century, the ESPYs have been a staple of the Los Angeles entertainment scene, making this move a significant strategic pivot for the network.
A Rising Star Takes the Stage
Marcello Hernández has rapidly become one of the most recognizable faces in comedy. Since joining the cast of Saturday Night Live, he has earned acclaim for his high-energy performances and relatable humor. His selection as host reflects his growing influence in both pop culture and the sports world.
“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,” Hernández 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.”
Beyond his comedy credentials, Hernández brings a genuine passion for athletics to the role. Having played soccer at the collegiate level at John Carroll University, he possesses an authentic connection to the sports community that ESPN executives believe will resonate with viewers.
Strategic Shift for ESPN
The decision to move the ESPYs to Manhattan is not merely a change of scenery. Industry analysts note that the move is designed to capitalize on the proximity to major sports-centric events. The awards show will take place just before the inaugural Fanatics Fest, a massive sports culture convention held at the Javits Center from July 16–19, 2025.
Craig Lazarus, ESPN’s vice president and executive producer of the ESPYs, emphasized that Hernández’s background and the New York venue create a perfect synergy for the brand. “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,” Lazarus noted.
Key Takeaways
- Host: Comedian and SNL standout Marcello Hernández.
- Date: July 15, 2025.
- Location: David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center, New York City.
- Broadcast: Live on ABC and streaming via the ESPN app.
- Significance: The first ESPYs held in New York City in 26 years.
Looking Ahead to the ESPYs
Hernández follows in the footsteps of a diverse list of previous hosts, including Shane Gillis, Jimmy Kimmel, John Cena, LeBron James, and Peyton Manning. As the ceremony transitions to the heart of Manhattan, ESPN aims to reinvigorate the broadcast by aligning it with the broader momentum of sports culture in the city.
With the World Cup final scheduled for July 19, 2025, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the week of the ESPYs is shaping up to be one of the most significant periods for sports fans in the New York metropolitan area. Whether you are tuning in for the red carpet, the athlete accolades, or Hernández’s comedic take on the year’s biggest plays, the 2025 ESPYs promise to be a centerpiece of the summer sports calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch the 2025 ESPY Awards?
The awards will be broadcast live on ABC and will be available to stream on the ESPN app.
Why did the ESPYs move from Los Angeles to New York?
The move is part of a strategic effort to bring the awards to an iconic cultural landmark and align the broadcast with major sports events occurring in the region, such as Fanatics Fest.
Who is Marcello Hernández?
Marcello Hernández is a stand-up comedian and a featured player on Saturday Night Live, known for his viral sketches and recent Netflix comedy special, American Boy.