The 2026 ESPYS are happening tonight, July 15, in New York City, and while the awards celebrate a whole year of incredible sports, one story leading up to the show is already catching fire. American rapper Flavor Flav stepped up huge for the gold medal-winning U.S. women's hockey team, ensuring they'll be well represented at the David H. Koch Theater. Some of the players weren't initially invited, but Flav, a Public Enemy legend, tapped into his network to get additional members access to the event.
Flav's Game-Changing Play for Team USA
Seriously, how cool is that? Flavor Flav didn't just get them in the door, he also hooked them up with travel, lodging, and even hair and makeup. Talk about an assist! This heartwarming story sets the stage for a night packed with sports achievements and special moments, all while raising awareness and money for the V Foundation for Cancer Research. That charity, by the way, was founded back in 1993 by ESPN and the legendary North Carolina State head men's basketball coach, Jim Valvano.Team USA Chasing Another Win: "Best Team" Award
The U.S. women's hockey squad is up for the coveted "Best Team" award, and honestly, can you blame the voters? This team earned it big time by taking down Canada in a wild overtime gold medal game. Hilary Knight tied it up and Megan Keller sealed the deal with the game-winning strike. That's pure clutch, right there. Comedian Marcello Hernández, who just wrapped his fourth season on "Saturday Night Live" and played soccer at John Carroll University, is hosting the whole shindig. You can catch all the action of the 2026 ESPYS tonight at 8 p.m. ET. Tune in on ABC, fire up the ESPN App, or head to the ESPYS streaming hub. It's set to be a night of celebrating the best in sports, and with stories like Flavor Flav's, it's definitely gonna be memorable.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.