Most years, the ESPYs are scheduled to begin in the evening on ABC and ESPN, with the telecast commonly set for 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT or 8:00 PM CT/7:00 PM PT, depending on the time zone and year. In practice, the start can shift by a half hour earlier or later because of live sports delays, special presentations, or network decisions. To find the exact start time for a given year, check the official ESPYs page on espn.com, the network listing on your local TV provider, or an authoritative TV schedule site such as TV Guide or ESPN’s press release for that edition.
Why There Is No Single Fixed Start Time
The ESPYs do not have a single fixed start time year-round for three main reasons: live sports conflicts, changes in broadcast windows, and production decisions. The show typically airs during the summer awards season, when live events such as MLB and NASCAR can delay or move the start. Networks may also shift the start earlier or later to align with other programming or to maximize viewership. These variables mean the exact start is best confirmed close to the event date.
How to Find the Official Start Time
Check ESPN and the ESPYs Official Channels
The first reliable source for the ESPYs start time is ESPN itself. Visit espn.com/espys or the press/mediacenter area for an official announcement of the air date and time. The network lists the start time along with any network special windows or pre-show segments. These announcements usually occur weeks in advance and remain accurate unless unforeseen live delays occur on the night of the broadcast.
Use Your Local TV Guide or Provider
Local cable, satellite, and streaming providers show the ESPYs within their regional lineups. Log into your provider’s guide or app, search for ESPYs or ABC, and you’ll see the scheduled start time for your specific location. Because providers reflect network feeds and time zone mappings, this is one of the most accurate ways to confirm the exact minute the show begins in your home market.
Cross-Reference TV Schedule Sites
Authoritative TV listing sites such as TV Guide, Zap2it, and IMDb list the ESPYs alongside standard show times. These sources rely on network data and usually update quickly if a change occurs. When cross-referencing multiple sites, consistent times across sources increases confidence in accuracy.
Historical ESPYs Start Windows
While each edition can vary, the ESPYs have traditionally aired during two primary windows: early evening and late evening. Early evening slots have included 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT or 8:00 PM CT / 7:00 PM PT on the East and West Coasts. Late evening options sometimes shift to 9:00 PM ET or later when paired with special presentations or to accommodate live sports lead-ins. The following table summarizes typical verified ranges based on recent years of published schedules.
| Time Zone | Typical Start Range | Event or Context |
|---|---|---|
| ET | 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM | Standard summer awards window |
| CT | 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM | Central Time equivalent |
| PT | 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM | Pacific Time for West Coast viewership |
Possible Schedule Variations on Air Night
- Live sports delays: Major games ending later than expected can push the ESPYs start by 15 to 30 minutes.
- Breaking announcements: If a major award or special segment requires extended coverage, the start time may adjust or the show may be delayed.
- Network strategy: Networks sometimes move the start earlier to capture prime viewing hours or later to align with postgame coverage.
What to Do If the Start Time Changes
If you notice a shift, update your plans using the same sources listed above. Most broadcast delays are modest, rarely exceeding half an hour. For streaming via ESPN+ or network apps, the apps typically adjust automatically or notify you of reschedules. If you are coordinating with others, confirm the time shortly before the show to account for any last-minute changes.
Summary of Key Action Steps
Because the ESPYs timing can vary by year and market, rely on a simple verification process. First, check the official ESPYs page on ESPN for the announced start. Second, confirm with your local TV provider’s guide for your exact time zone. Third, refresh TV guide sites the evening before to catch any last-minute adjustments. Following these steps will give you the most reliable answer for what time the ESPYs will start in any given year.