​The most influential athletes, coaches, advocates, and investors in sports are set to converge in New York City on July 16 for the debut TIME100 Sports Gala. This inaugural event will spotlight voices from the 2026 TIME100 Sports list, marking the first time TIME has assembled such a roster of distinguished honorees. Leading the lineup are NBA superstar LeBron James and two-time Olympic gold medalist figure skater Alysa Liu, who captured attention during this year’s Winter Games. Also honored is NBA standout Jalen Brunson, who played a pivotal role in guiding the New York Knicks to their championship victory this season—the franchise’s first championship in more than five decades. Additional notable honorees include former soccer star Alex Morgan, NFL star Myles Garrett, Olympic gold medalist gymnast Jordan Chiles, and soccer player Trinity Rodman, among others recognized for their impact on sport and society.
As attendees make their way down the red carpet on July 16, they will be interviewed by hosts Speedy Morman and Ally Love. The evening will offer guests an intimate, up-close look at these conversations through a livestream, giving the public a chance to experience the energy and insights of TIME100 Sports attendees from anywhere. Viewers can watch the festivities beginning at 6:45 p.m. Eastern Time on TIME’s YouTube channel, as well as its X (formerly Twitter) page and TikTok feed.
After the red-carpet moment, guests will proceed to the TIME100 Sports Gala, which will feature a formal dinner and heartfelt toasts from some of the honorees, celebrating the impact and achievements of the year’s most influential figures in the sports world. The gala promises an atmosphere of celebration, reflection, and inspiration, underscoring TIME’s mission to recognize leadership, excellence, and the transformative power of sport. This premiere event is designed not only to honor those who have shaped sports in 2026 but also to set a standard for recognizing diverse talents across leagues, disciplines, and communities.
The TIME100 Sports initiative continues to broaden the conversation about influence in athletics, highlighting athletes, coaches, advocates, and investors who drive change on and off the field. By combining red-carpet moments, intimate conversations, and live viewing opportunities, the TIME100 Sports Gala aims to amplify the voices that propel the world of sports forward, inviting fans and stakeholders to engage with the stories, insights, and commitments of these remarkable figures. As the first year of TIME’s specialized list, the 2026 honorees reflect a wide range of sports and perspectives, illustrating the interconnected nature of athletic achievement, leadership, and social impact in today’s landscape. The gala’s combination of star power, meaningful dialogue, and public access through live streaming is designed to extend the celebration beyond the marquee names, inviting a broader audience to participate in the recognition and inspiration that define TIME100 Sports.