When the ESPYs Begin and How to Find Your Local Start Time
The ESPYs typically start in the evening, with the red carpet and pre-show coverage beginning around 5:00 PM ET and the main ceremony usually airing by 8:00 PM ET on ABC in the United States. Exact start times vary by year and network window, so it is best to check the published schedule for your specific broadcast. This guide explains the standard timeline, how to convert to your local time zone, and where to find the official start time on the night of the event.
Typical ESPYs Broadcast Timeline
While the ceremony date shifts slightly each year, the broadcast pattern has become reliable in recent seasons. Below is a concise schedule you can use as a baseline for planning, with notes on what each block usually includes.
| Segment | Typical Start Time (ET) | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Red Carpet | 5:00 PM | Live arrivals coverage and first interviews |
| Pre-Show | 6:00 PM | Commentary, analyst segments, and live audience build-up |
| Main Ceremony | 8:00 PM | Awards presentations, performances, and acceptance speeches |
Why Start Times Vary
The ESPYs are produced by ESPN and air on an affiliated broadcast network, most commonly ABC. Network scheduling, awards season conflicts, and special programming can shift the start time earlier or later in a given year. It is common for the ceremony to move between July and early August depending on the sports calendar and primetime availability. Always verify the date and time for the edition you plan to watch, and prefer official sources for the most accurate information.
How to Find the Start Time for Your Edition
Because start times can differ between editions, here are the most dependable ways to find the exact start time for the ESPYs you plan to watch.
- Check the official ESPN Press Site and ESPYs page for the current year’s announcement.
- Visit the ABC schedule or your local station listing in the days leading up to the event.
- Use TV listing services such as TVGuide or your cable provider’s schedule for your specific ZIP code.
- Search for the ESPYs start time on the day of the event using your time zone to get localized results.
Converting to Your Local Time Zone
If the announced start time is in Eastern Time, you can quickly convert to your local time using standard time offsets. For example:
- Central Time: Subtract 1 hour from ET.
- Mountain Time: Subtract 2 hours from ET.
- Pacific Time: Subtract 3 hours from ET.
Keep in mind that daylight saving time can affect the offset, so double-check the converted time for the specific date. Some providers and TV apps will automatically adjust for your local time zone when you add the event to your calendar.
Where to Watch the ESPYs
Knowing where the ESPYs air helps you plan around the start time and avoid missing key moments. Below are the primary channels and platforms that typically carry the ceremony, along with how they display timing information.
Television
The main ceremony almost always airs on ABC in primetime. Many cable and satellite providers include ESPYs coverage in their on-screen guide, and sports-focused channels such as ESPN often provide additional pre-show analysis and post-ceremony highlights. Check your local listings for the exact channel number in your region, as it can vary by provider.
Streaming and Digital
Live streaming options have expanded in recent years. Depending on your subscription, you may watch the ESPYs on platforms such as ESPN+, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or your chosen TV provider’s app. The network’s official website and the ESPYs official site usually link to authorized streams and note any regional restrictions. These platforms often include on-demand replays shortly after the live broadcast concludes.
Planning Around the Red Carpet and Pre-Show
If you are primarily interested in fashion, interviews, and behind-the-scenes moments, the red carpet and pre-show segments are the parts to watch. Because these features start earlier in the evening, many viewers tune in beginning around 5:00 PM ET to catch the full build-up. Knowing this schedule helps you decide whether to watch live or catch key highlights later in the evening.
What to Do If You Miss the Live Start
Because the ESPYs draw significant attention, replays and highlights are widely available. If you miss the live ceremony, you can typically find the full broadcast on demand through your TV provider’s app or network streaming services later in the week. Clips and recaps appear quickly on sports and entertainment sites, making it easy to catch up on major awards and performances.