The 2025 ESPY Awards, presented by Capital One, are scheduled to take place on July 16.
This year`s list of nominees highlights standout performances across various sports. Fresh off an NBA championship and earning MVP honors, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder is nominated in the Best Athlete – Men`s Sports and Best NBA Player categories. His team, the Thunder, is also among the nine contenders for Best Team, recognized for their strong season including a Game 7 victory against the Indiana Pacers.
Athletes who shined at the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games also received nominations. Simone Biles and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone are candidates for Best Athlete – Women`s Sports. Ilona Maher is nominated for Best Breakthrough Athlete, and Ezra Frech is a nominee for Best Athlete with a Disability.
Returning nominees include A`ja Wilson, who is once again a leading candidate for Best Athlete – Women`s Sports and Best WNBA Player, awards she previously won in 2024. In football, Saquon Barkley garnered nominations in three categories: Best Athlete – Men`s Sports, Best Play, and Best NFL Player. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen joins Barkley as another NFL star nominated in both the Best NFL Player and Best Athlete – Men`s Sports categories.
