The 2020 ESPYS will take place next month, and this year, ESPN's annual awards show will have a very Seattle feel to it with Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, Storm guard Sue Bird and OL Reign winger Megan Rapinoe serving as hosts.
Unlike most years when the ESPYS brings out some of sports and entertainment's biggest stars, Wilson, Bird and Rapinoe will be hosting the show remotely from home, and this year's show is shifting its focus from athletic achievement to further highlight the narratives of service, perseverance and courage within the world of sports.
The ESPYS will air on ESPN on June 21 at 6 p.m. PT.
Wilson, a seven-time Pro-Bowler and Super Bowl champion, has hosted awards shows before, serving as host of Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards three times from 2015-2017. Rapinoe and Bird, who are partners and live together, have been honing their media skills from home on their weekly "A Touch More" podcast.
"The ESPYS are always a highlight for me every year and I'm incredibly honored that they've asked me to co-host this year's special show," Wilson said in an ESPN press release. "Although the sports world is on a pause, Megan, Sue, and I hope to shine a light on some of the amazing stories of resilience that we are seeing through this unique time."
Bird, an 11-time WNBA All-Star who has helped lead the Storm to three WNBA titles, and a four-time Olympic gold medalist said, "There is so much good being done in the world right now, and The ESPYSare recognizing a sports community whose achievements reach far beyond the court. I'm proud to be hosting this year's unique show with Megan and Russell, two athletes I admire for their talent, but more importantly, their compassion in today's world."
Rapinoe has been a local sports fixture since 2013 when she joined the Reign, but is best known as a star of two World Cup winning U.S. National Teams, including 2019 when she was the recipient of the Golden Ball (top player) and Golden Boot (top scorer) at the World Cup. Rapinoe was also named the Best FIFA Women's Player for 2019.
"The stories we see at The ESPYSeach year serve as a reminder of the hope that sports can inspire," said Rapinoe. "I'm looking forward to hosting the show alongside Sue and Russell, and bringing that much needed hope to audiences this year."
