For the after-party, AKJOHNSTON's design drew inspiration from organic motion. To evoke the feeling of an arena, the team anchored each end of the ballroom with custom goal-inspired structures framed in deep blue velvet drape and sleek metallic finishes. Flanking each stage were 12-foot neon radial light sculptures, designed and fabricated in-house, that added height and color and served as stylized "goal posts."Photo: Rinzi Ruiz Photography
LOS ANGELES—The 2025 ESPYS Presented by Capital One lit up LA's Dolby Theatre on July 16, bringing together the biggest names in sports and entertainment for a night of celebration, emotion, and a few surprises.
Hosted by controversial comedian Shane Gillis, the live broadcast on ABC and ESPN+ opened with a monologue that drew a mixed response, thanks to jabs at figures like Donald Trump, Bill Belichick, and Caitlin Clark. But the tone quickly shifted, giving way to standout athletic moments, powerful speeches, and high-energy performances that kept the star-studded crowd—which included Angela Bassett, Ciara, Russell Westbrook, and Anthony Ramos—fully engaged.
Top honors went to Simone Biles, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Suni Lee, and the Philadelphia Eagles, while musical performances from Busta Rhymes, Clipse, and GELO kept the crowd on their feet.
True to tradition, the ESPYS also made space for stories of strength beyond the scoreboard: Former NBA player Oscar Robertson was recognized with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage; Penn State women’s volleyball coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley earned the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance; and the Pat Tillman Award for Service went to LA wildfire first responders (and former athletes) David Walters and Erin Regan.
There was also a surprise USC marching band tribute for ESPN broadcasting legend Lee Corso, plus a standing ovation for former WNBA player Diana Taurasi and former USWNT player Alex Morgan, this year’s Icon Award recipients. “To the women who came before us, it’s because of you that we never have to apologize for speaking up or for fighting to raise the bar," said Morgan.
Beyond the awards and performances, the ESPYS continue to raise awareness and funds for the V Foundation for Cancer Research; the partnership has garnered more than $265 million to date. Scroll down for a behind-the-scenes look at the inspiring night—co-produced by ESPN and Full Day Productions—plus highlights from its buzzy after-party and surrounding events.
“Designing two completely different events in the same space within 24 hours is always an ambitious and creatively fulfilling challenge for a team," said Emily N. Crawford, senior producer for AKJOHNSTON Group. "We wanted the room to feel like an immersive arena where storytelling, celebration, and impact played out center stage for not just one, but two events."
