Stephen Curry wins ESPY Award and delivers emotional speech at 2026 ceremony

Stephen Curry made headlines at the 2026 ESPY Awards on 15 July, taking home the Best Male Athlete prize and using his platform to push for mental health and social justice causes.

What happened?

The Golden State Warriors superstar stepped onto the stage at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles to accept his award, marking his second ESPY in three years. Curry, 38, thanked his family, teammates, and fans before pivoting to a broader message about the need for empathy and systemic change. His speech aired live on ESPN, drawing immediate praise from peers and advocates alike.

The 2026 ESPYs aired on 15 July, with Curry’s speech closing out the night’s broadcast. The award caps a season where he led the Warriors back to the playoffs despite persistent injuries and roster turnover. His acceptance remarks focused less on basketball and more on the pressures athletes face off the court.

Why it matters for Stephen Curry

For Curry, the award isn’t just another trophy-it’s validation of his influence beyond points and assists. At 38, he’s the oldest active player to win the honor, a nod to his sustained excellence and leadership. His speech also reinforced his role as a vocal advocate for mental health, a cause he’s championed since retiring from Team USA duties in 2023.

The moment also underscores Curry’s cultural footprint. His platform at the ESPYs gives his advocacy national reach, aligning with his off-court work through the Eat.Learn.Play Foundation. The foundation, co-founded with his wife Ayesha, supports youth education and nutrition programs across the Bay Area.

Reactions and ripple effects

Teammate Klay Thompson called the speech “real” during a post-ceremony press conference. “When Steph talks, people listen,” Thompson said. “He doesn’t just drop words-he backs them up with action.” Thompson, 35, added that Curry’s message resonated with the locker room, especially younger players navigating pro basketball’s demands.

Social media lit up after the broadcast, with #StephCurryESPY trending within minutes. Mental health advocates praised his courage, while critics questioned whether athletes should use such platforms for activism. Curry’s response? “If not us, then who?” he tweeted at 11:47 p.m. PT.

What comes next?

Curry is set to rejoin the Warriors for training camp on 29 September, fresh off his ESPY win and a summer of advocacy work. Coach Steve Kerr hinted at a lighter schedule for the veteran, prioritizing durability over minutes. “We’re managing Steph like the treasure he is,” Kerr said.

The award also raises questions about Curry’s legacy. With 4,700+ career three-pointers and four NBA titles, his place in history is secure. But his ESPY speech suggests he’s still writing new chapters-ones measured in impact, not just box scores. His foundation’s annual report, due in October, will detail a record $12 million raised for Bay Area youth programs in 2026.

The Golden State Warriors return to training camp on 29 September, with Stephen Curry entering his 21st NBA season.