Who Will Take Home the 2025 Sports Emmy? The Battle Among Sports Legends Turned Broadcast Stars Heats Up
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Jason Kelce, known for his role as an analyst on ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown and his late-night show They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce, earned his first solo nomination following his retirement from the Philadelphia Eagles in March 2024. Jay Wright, recognized for his college basketball analysis on CBS and TNT, particularly during the 2025 NCAA Tournament, is in his second consecutive year of being nominated in this category.
Awards Ceremony
The 2025 Sports Emmy Awards ceremony is scheduled for May 20, 2025, at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) announced the nominees for the 46th Annual Sports Emmy Awards on April 8, 2025, recognizing excellence in sports television coverage from 2024. Among the nominees, Jason Kelce and Jay Wright stand out as Philadelphia sports icons, both competing in the Outstanding Personality/Emerging On-Air Talent category. This category highlights individuals who have made significant contributions to sports broadcasting in their early on-air careers, and it includes other notable figures such as Ryan Fitzpatrick, Nick Saban, and Richard Sherman.
Jason Kelce’s Nomination
Jason Kelce, a former center for the Philadelphia Eagles, retired from the NFL in March 2024 after a 13-season career, which included a Super Bowl title, six All-Pro selections, and seven Pro Bowl appearances. Transitioning to broadcasting, Kelce joined ESPN for the 2025 season, becoming a prominent figure on Monday Night Countdown and hosting They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce. This nomination marks his first solo Sports Emmy nod, following previous nominations for his documentary Kelce, which earned recognition in 2024 for outstanding long documentary and editing. His work on ESPN has quickly garnered attention, with fans and critics alike praising his insightful analysis and engaging presence.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(781x278:783x280)/jason-kelce-philadelphia-eagles_1147-d423bb077c0c4e208dbb1ee72c4d1428.jpg)
Jay Wright’s Nomination
Jay Wright, the former head coach of the Villanova Wildcats, retired from coaching in April 2022 after 21 seasons, during which he led the team to two national championships and four Final Four appearances. Since then, he has established himself as a college basketball analyst, contributing to CBS and TNT’s coverage, particularly during the 2025 NCAA Tournament and Final Four. This is Wright’s second consecutive nomination in the Outstanding Personality/Emerging On-Air Talent category, reflecting his growing influence in sports broadcasting and his ability to provide expert commentary on college basketball.
Shared Category and Competition
Both Kelce and Wright are vying for the same award, facing competition from Ryan Fitzpatrick and Richard Sherman, both former NFL players now with Prime Video, and Nick Saban, the former Alabama football coach who joined ESPN’s College GameDay. The category is known for recognizing emerging talents who have transitioned from athletic careers to broadcasting, making it a fitting space for both nominees. The presence of other high-profile figures suggests a competitive field, with each nominee bringing unique perspectives from their respective sports.
Ceremony Details
The 2025 Sports Emmy Awards ceremony is set for May 20, 2025, at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall in Manhattan. The event will be streamed live on The Emmys website and apps, hosted by Roy Wood Jr., and will honor professionals across 47 categories. David Hill, former president of FOX Sports, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, adding to the event’s prestige.
