Remember back in May? ESPN totally surprised everyone by announcing tennis superstar Serena Williams as the host for this year’s ESPY Awards(an event which recognizes the best athletes and sports figures)! American Idol’s Ryan Seacrest even got in on the fun, making the big reveal live on stage at Disney’s advertiser event. Serena, the fourth woman to helm the show, is ready to take center court (well, kind of) on July 11th – for slam dunk of a night! On top of that, the event’s teaser just got air a few hours back. “The ESPYs are a celebration of excellence,” Serena previews in the clip. “Join me as we celebrate the best of the best.” Seems like event organizers heard Serena!

As per the most latest development, Prince Harry will be honored at the 2024 ESPY Awards. The Duke of Sussex is set to be honored with the Pat Tillman Award for Service in recognition of his creation of the Invictus Games. Since 2014, these games have provided wounded service members with the opportunity to compete in Olympic-style sporting events. “This one is for our entire service community,” Harry said after learning of the upcoming honor.

Remember those awkward award show run-ins between old friends (or not-so-friends)? Buckle up, because the ESPYs might just be hosting one for the ages! With Serena Williams confirmed as the host and Prince Harry receiving an award, fans are buzzing about a potential reunion. And who knows, they might end up creating a new “problem solving” moment.

Former NFL player Steve Gleason will be honored with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage, recognizing his bravery in documenting his battle with ALS. University of South Carolina coach Dawn Staley will also receive a prestigious award – The Jimmy V Award for Perseverance – for her tireless efforts to empower women’s basketball. “It’s our privilege to recognize three incredible individuals — Steve Gleason, Dawn Staley and Prince Harry,” Kate Jackson, VP, Production, ESPN said in a press release. Nevertheless, the tennis titan has a surprising history with the ESPY Awards.

The legendary tennis player has won an astounding 12 ESPY Awards in her career. With the 2024 edition just a month away, and with great excitement surrounding the event, Serena Williams spoke up about her “dream come true role” role back when she was announced as a host. “This is a dream come true for me, and something I’ve wanted to do for as long as I can remember. 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.” Meanwhile, ESPN is all praises for Serena, calling her an apt fit for the role.

Here’s what made ESPN call Serena a “perfect fit” for hosting the event!

Praising the surge in viewership for women’s sports, Kate Jackson, VP of Production at ESPN, announced Serena Williams as host for the ESPYs. “In a year where women’s sports are being watched and celebrated like never before, it is a perfect fit to have perhaps the greatest female athlete of all time host The ESPYS,” said Kate. “Given Serena’s spectacular on-court achievements and her overall cultural impact, she’ll bring elite star-power and dynamic energy as host of the show. We are thrilled to work with her to shape a powerful and entertaining show celebrating the best moments in sports this year.” Suit yourselves, folks. A double dose of Serena awaits.

Catch the highly anticipated premiere of the eight-part ESPN+ documentary series “In the Arena: Serena Williams” on July 10th. This intimate docuseries talks about her legendary career with firsthand accounts from Williams herself and those who shaped her journey. Then, on July 11th, Serena steps onto a different kind of court – as the host of the ESPY Awards!