On January 6, 2026, Sports Illustrated (SI) will hold its yearly "Sportsperson of the Year" awards ceremony in Las Vegas. This is the franchise's return to the Wynn, where it first raised its Vegas flag in 2023. Unfortunately, the public cannot purchase tickets for this private event.

Increasing by Double

Since 1954, SI has selected a "Sportsperson of the Year" each year, highlighting a player or group "that best represents, in character and performance, the ideals of excellence and sportsmanship," according to the magazine's announcement.

The award was only available in print from 1954 to 1986, with a glossy cover story and feature profile. When SI held its first public luncheon in New York City in 1987, that all changed. The event alternated between New York and Los Angeles in the decades that followed.

When Coach Deion Sanders lifted the championship trophy at the Wynn in 2023, the Vegas era officially begun. MLB standout Shohei Ohtani was awarded the next year when the awards returned to Los Angeles. SI is now stepping up its efforts in Las Vegas, making the Wynn and Vegas a regular venue for its main event.

“Through the decades, SI’s ‘Sportsperson of the Year’ franchise has evolved from a singular moment in a magazine into a multifaceted celebration of the best of the year in sports,” said SI editor‑in‑chief Steve Cannella. “We’re excited to grow this event in Las Vegas and can’t wait.”

Who Is Going to Be Honored?

In addition to the headline prize, SI annually bestows auxiliary honors that are made public beforehand. They are this year:

• Muhammad Ali Legacy Award: Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, will receive this for “his tireless efforts over the last decade to raise awareness of mental health issues and treatment advocacy.” Phelps previously earned “Sportsperson of the Year” in 2008 after his record‑breaking eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics.
• Breakout Star of the Year: Seattle Mariners slugger Cal Raleigh, a first‑time 2025 All‑Star, will be honored for “unexpectedly dominating the sports conversation” by blasting 60 home runs in the regular season and five more in the postseason.
• Innovators of the Year: WNBA superstars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier will be celebrated for co‑founding Unrivaled, the groundbreaking 3×3 women’s basketball league launched in 2025. “This year represents meaningful change that will impact generations of basketball players and fans to come, and I’m honored Sports Illustrated is recognizing this work,” Stewart said.

Muhammad Ali, Serena Williams, LeBron James, Tom Brady, Simone Biles, Stephen Curry, Billie Jean King, Arthur Ashe, Derek Jeter, and Megan Rapinoe are among the previous recipients of the "Sportsperson of the Year" award.

Only recipients, their guests, SI employees, sponsors, and a small group of media will be able to attend the 2026 event.