The ESPYS Are Going Virtual And The Hosts Are Too
by Adrienne Gibbs
For the first time ever, the ESPYS won’t be a star-studded affair that shuts down the city with its red carpet arrivals, exclusive L.A. afterparties and ESPN-adjacent events. This time, thanks to COVID-19, it’s going virtual on June 21.
Hosting duties will be split in three and shared by Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe and WNBA champion Sue Bird. The athletes will celebrate their usual wins and prowess, but will also add heroism, stories of service and courage in sports to the decoration mix.
The folks in charge have had plenty time to figure out how to finesse the (usually) epic event given social distancing and travel concerns. But much like how the NFL Draft 2020 went virtual, producers have figured out a way forward and the fans are thrilled that they will still be able to take part.
"We liked the idea of having athletes from diverse sports that represent something for every fan," show producer Jeff Smith told ESPN.
With all three of the hosts living in the Seattle area, the logistics become slightly easier, but much of the show in its current iteration will be pre-produced, according to the network. The usual awards will e given out, but winners will be notified by telephone in order to get their real time reaction and non-teleprompted speeches. The date was also moved up; usually it is in July.
The ESPYS have been presented annual since 1993. In years past Peyton Manning, John Cena, Drake and Joel McHale have all hosted. Last year the hosting spotlight was on celebrated comedian Tracy Morgan.
The 2019 ESPYS enjoyed higher ratings than in the year prior, but overall viewership fell for the ABC-aired television event. Still, last year’s ESPYS were the fifth-most watched ESPYS on record when you consider the show’s mainstream television life. [Prior to 2015, the show aired on ESPN, so the viewership and ratings are different.] It is one of the most popular sports awards shows on television.
The 2020 ESPYS will air June 21 on ESPN at 9 p.m. EST.