The 2023 ESPY Awards will not have a defining voice — but not because of a lack of captivating stories, athletes and teams.
For the first time since its inception in 1993, the ESPYS will not have a host — a choice based on complicated circumstances in which ESPN, ABC and parent company Disney are only a small part.
MORE: Pat McAfee acts like a host with opening monologue
Regardless, the 2023 iteration will be unique in the show's history. While it will still have several familiar features — awards, comedy sketches and more — the ESPYS will employ several individuals to make presentations in lieu of a singular host to guide the festivities.
MORE: What does ESPY stand for?
Here's all you need to know on why the 2023 ESPY Awards show won't have a host:
Who is hosting the ESPYS in 2023?
As first reported by The Big Lead, the 2023 ESPYS won't have a host — a first in the show's 31-year history. ESPN will instead use several athletes and entertainers to present various awards this year.
Among the listed presenters are:
- Dwyane Wade (retired three-time NBA champion)
- Angel Reese (LSU women's basketball player, 2023 NCAA Tournament MOP)
- Sue Bird (retired four-time WNBA champion)
- Chris Paul (Warriors player, 12-time NBA All-Star)
- Mike Tyson (former heavyweight boxing champion)
- Travis Kelce (Chiefs tight end)
- Damar Hamlin (Bills safety)
- Quavo (Rapper, actor)
- Pat McAfee (ESPN analyst)
- Kyrie Irving (Mavericks player, eight-time NBA All-Star)
- Lil Durk (Grammy-nominated rapper)
- Skylar Diggins-Smith (Mercury player, six-time WNBA All-Star)
- Livvy Dunne (LSU gymnast, social media influencer)
- Lil Rel Howery (actor)
- Seth Rollins (WWE superstar)
- Becky Lynch (WWE superstar)
- Chris Berman (ESPN analyst)
(UPDATE: McAfee delivered the opening monologue Wednesday night.)
The 2023 ESPYS won't have a host because of the ongoing strike involving the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
What is the WGA writers' strike?
The 2023 WGA writers' strike is a labor dispute between the WGA, which represents 11,500 screenwriters nationwide, and the AMPTP, which represents more than 350 American TV and production companies. Those include Disney and its property, ABC, which broadcasts the ESPYS.
The strike began on May 2 and, as of the day of the ESPYS, has been ongoing for two months, one week and three days. It is the longest labor stoppage by the WGA since 2007-08.
The decision was made following six weeks of negotiating with @Netflix, @Amazon, @Apple, @Disney, @wbd, @NBCUniversal, @Paramountplus and @Sony under the umbrella of the AMPTP.
— Writers Guild of America West (@WGAWest) May 2, 2023
The 2023 strike has several goals and points of dispute, including splitting of residuals earned from various streaming media. Some of the WGA's desired end goals include increased funding and job security for writers; increased size in writers' rooms; and limitation of artificial intelligence in the writing process.
Regarding the final point, the WGA wants assurances from the AMPTP that AI tools such as ChatGPT be used only to help with research and facilitate script ideas — not replace writers outright.
Previous ESPY Award hosts
The ESPYS have had a host every year, dating back to the inaugural show in 1993. Comedian, sportscaster and talk show host Dennis Miller presented it for the first two years.
The show has gone on to include entertainers such as Samuel L. Jackson, Jamie Foxx and Justin Timberlake; comedians, such as Jeff Foxworthy and Norm Macdonald; and athletes, such as LeBron James, Peyton Manning and Stephen Curry.
LUTOVSKY: Norm Macdonald's five best sports moments, from ESPYS to O.J.
Jackson has hosted the ESPYS four times — in 1999, 2001-02 and 2009 — the most in the show's history. The only other people to have hosted more than once are Miller, Foxx and Seth Meyers (each two times).
Here is a rundown of who has hosted the ESPY Awards dating back to 1993:
| Year | Host |
| 2022 | Stephen Curry |
| 2021 | Anthony Mackie |
| 2020 | Russell Wilson, Megan Rapinoe, Sue Bird |
| 2019 | Tracy Morgan |
| 2018 | Danica Patrick |
| 2017 | Peyton Manning |
| 2016 | John Cena |
| 2015 | Joel McHale |
| 2014 | Drake |
| 2013 | Jon Hamm |
| 2012 | Rob Riggle |
| 2011 | Seth Meyers |
| 2010 | Seth Meyers |
| 2009 | Samuel L. Jackson |
| 2008 | Justin Timberlake |
| 2007 | LeBron James, Jimmy Kimmel |
| 2006 | Lance Armstrong |
| 2005 | Matthew Perry |
| 2004 | Jamie Foxx |
| 2003 | Jamie Foxx |
| 2002 | Samuel L. Jackson |
| 2001 | Samuel L. Jackson |
| 2000 | Jimmy Smits |
| 1999 | Samuel L. Jackson |
| 1998 | Norm Macdonald |
| 1997 | Jeff Foxworthy |
| 1996 | Tony Danza |
| 1995 | John Goodman |
| 1994 | Dennis Miller |
| 1993 | Dennis Miller |