The one-time footballer will emcee the July 15 fundraiser, ESPN’s annual that-was-the-year-in-sports event to be broadcast live by ABC for the first time. Maura Mandt and MaggieVision Productions are exec producing the 23rd annual trophy show.
Best known as lawyer-turned-student Jeff Winger from Community and last year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner ringmaster, McHale will be joined by top athletes and celebrities to commemorate the past year in sports by recognizing major sports achievements, reliving unforgettable moments and saluting the leading performers and performances. The ESPYs raise more than $1 million annually for The V Foundation, the charity founded by ESPN and the late basketball coach Jim Valvano to promote cancer research.
McHale’s creed includes a stint on the University of Washington football team for over a year and a half after originally being recruited for the school’s rowing program. “I’m thrilled to be hosting The ESPYs. Just ecstatic,” said McHale. “After my stunning victory in the Iditarod this year by only using six Bichon Frises and a lamb, I think the sports world saw me as the logical host.”
Must Read Stories
Subscribe to Deadline Breaking News Alerts and keep your inbox happy.