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What does ESPY stand for? Explaining the meaning behind ESPN’s awards and how they started

The ESPYS are set to return on Wednesday, July 16.

The annual awards show will be hosted by comedian Shane Gillis, recapping the entire year of sports to celebrate the best moments, plays, players and teams.

Gillis will be joined by star athletes and other celebrities who are scheduled to present, including Russell Wilson, Lindsey Vonn, Flau’jae Johnson, Desmond Howard, Billie Jean King and more.

A number of awards will be handed out at the ESPYS, honoring the best athlete (men’s and women’s), best breakthrough athlete, best record-breaking performance, best championship performance, best comeback athlete, best play, best team, best olympian (men’s and women’s), best game and best player for 16 different sports, among others.

So you know the reason for the show and who will be a part of it, but what does ESPY stand for?

MORE: Full list of previous award winners for Best Male Athlete, Best Female Athlete, more

What does ESPY stand for?

“ESPY” is an acronym for Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly, an accolade that is presented by ABC network and ESPN to recognize individual and team athletic achievements.

The ESPYS began in 1993, giving sports an awards show similar to the Grammys, Emmys and Academy Awards.

The awards were determined by fan vote from 1993 to 2004. Since 2004, sportswriters, broadcasters, sports executives, collective experts and ESPN personalities form the ESPY Select Nominating Committee to determine the candidates.

Once the nominees are selected, the awards are decided through online fan balloting.

MORE: Inside Jim Valvano’s speech: The story behind the iconic 1993 ESPYs

When is the 2025 ESPY Awards show?

  • Date: Wednesday, July 16
  • Time: 8 p.m. ET
  • Where: The Dolby Theatre, Los Angeles

The ESPYS will be held at The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Wednesday, July 16. The show is expected to run from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET.

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How to watch the 2025 ESPY Awards show

  • Channel: ABC
  • Live stream: ESPN app | FuboTV

The ESPYS will be televised at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. You can live stream the ESPYS on the ESPN app or with FuboTV, which offers a free trial.

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