Serena Williams to host 'The ESPYs' in July, fourth woman to helm the show

Serena Williams will return to the spotlight to host The ESPYS - ESPN’s sports awards show in July.

The retired 23-time major winner will be the fourth woman to helm the show which honours the past year’s achievements, athletes and moments.

The ESPYS will air on 11 July from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

Megan Rapinoe, Sue Bird and Russell Wilson had co-hosted the 2020 virtual show at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Danica Patrick was the first woman to host solo in 2018, shortly after retiring from auto racing.

“This is a dream come true for me, and something I’ve wanted to do for as long as I can remember,” Williams said in a statement Tuesday. “It has been a sensational year for sports and an unprecedented one for female athletes. I can’t wait to celebrate everyone onstage in July.”

More from Sports

PSG stage a stunning comeback victory over Tottenham to secure the Super Cup title Chennai Grand Masters 2025: Vincent Keymer inches closer to title as Arjun Erigaisi draws again

Williams won 12 ESPYS during her tennis career.

The ESPYS will come on the heels of the 10 July premiere of “In the Arena: Serena Williams,” an eight-part series chronicling the legendary player’s career that will air on ESPN+.

Williams had retired after the 2022 US Open and has since devoted her time to pursuits such as a makeup line that debuted in April and a venture capital firm that invests in women and founders of colour in early-stage companies. She gave birth to her second daughter last August.