The 2026 ESPYS will feature a high-profile lineup of hip-hop royalty and a unique sports entertainment performance, creating a significant broadcast moment for Black music and urban radio stakeholders. ABC has confirmed that Slick Rick, Ghostface Killah, and De La La Soul will perform on the awards show airing live from New York City, while the Savannah Bananas baseball team will deliver a dance routine. This programming decision offers labels, publishers, and rights holders a prime opportunity to leverage legacy artist exposure during a major sports-entertainment crossover event.
Legacy Artists Secure Prime Broadcast Slot
The inclusion of Slick Rick, Ghostface Killah, and De La Soul represents a strategic move to highlight foundational hip-hop figures during a live national broadcast. Ghostface Killah is scheduled for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on November 14, 2026, adding immediate industry relevance to his ESPYS appearance. Slick Rick previously received a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy in 2023, while De La Soul won a Grammy in 1998 for their featured role on Gorillaz’s “Feel Good Inc.” The trio’s performance on Wednesday, July 15, at 8 p.m. ET from the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center ensures maximum visibility for streaming platforms and radio programmers tracking legacy catalog performance.
Broadcast Logistics and Streaming Distribution
ABC has maintained its position as the exclusive broadcaster of the ESPYS since 2015, with the exception of the 2020 pandemic year when the show aired on ESPN. The 2026 ceremony will stream simultaneously on the ESPN App across all time zones and become available for on-demand viewing the following day on Disney+, Hulu, the ESPN App, and ABC Video. Marcello Hernández will host the ceremony, which also includes a performance by the Savannah Bananas, an exhibition barnstorming baseball team based in Savannah, Georgia. This multi-platform distribution strategy ensures that music industry executives can track engagement metrics across traditional television and digital streaming environments.
The 2025 ESPYS previously featured Busta Rhymes, Clipse, and GELO, demonstrating ABC’s continued commitment to integrating hip-hop culture into sports awards programming. The 2026 event continues this trend by pairing established rap legends with a non-traditional sports performance, creating a unique content mix that appeals to both music and sports demographics.
For editorial consideration and industry coverage inquiries, contact Radio Facts.
