Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's trophy case is probably in need of its own wing at this point.
The Oklahoma City Thunder star added yet another major accolade to his collection after he was named Best Male Athlete at the 2025 ESPY Awards.
"It's a dream come true. And for dreams to come true, it takes a village. Those names probably don't mean much, but to me, they mean everything," Gilgeous-Alexander said while accepting the award, reflecting on the unwavering support from his family, teammates, and friends throughout his journey.
SGA beat out 2024 NFL MVP and Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Japanese star Shohei Ohtani of the reigning MLB World Champion LA Dodgers, and Saquon Barkley of the defending Super Bowl champions Philadelphia Eagles for the prestigious nod.
Fresh off leading the Thunder to their first-ever NBA championship, along with securing both the regular-season and Finals MVP titles, Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric.
[ALSO READ: Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander deflects credit after historic season: “It’s a win for everybody”]
Averaging a career-high 32.7 points per game last season, the Canadian star has not only earned individual honors but has also transformed the Thunder into one of the most formidable teams in the league, alongside co-stars Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren.
The ESPYs nod is just the latest in a string of accomplishments for the 27-year-old, who also signed a record-breaking four-year, $285 million extension with Oklahoma City this offseason on top of becoming one of the cover athletes for NBA 2K26.
[ALSO READ: Champion, Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander named NBA 2K26 cover athlete]
Meanwhile, Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark claimed the Best WNBA Player award. Sidelined by injury and unable to attend the ceremony, ESPN analysts accepted the award on her behalf.
Despite battling injuries this season, Clark hasn’t slowed down. She has helped lead the Fever to a Commissioner’s Cup title while averaging 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 8.8 assists.
She was also named an All-Star captain for the first time and will compete in the upcoming 3-point contest, solidifying her status as one of the league’s brightest stars.
[ALSO READ: Caitlin Clark, Napheesa Collier draft star-studded rosters for 2025 WNBA All-Star Game]
Then, 18-year-old Cooper Flagg, the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks, took home the Best Men’s College Athlete award.
🏀 @DukeMBB ?? @dallasmavs @Cooper_Flagg takes home the @ESPYS Best College Athlete - Men's Sports award! 🏆@MarchMadnessMBB x @MFinalFour
— NCAA (@NCAA) July 17, 2025
Flagg overcame fellow nominees Wyatt Hendrickson of Oklahoma State wrestling, Travis Hunter of Colorado football, and CJ Kirst of Cornell lacrosse to claim the honor.
In his lone season at Duke, Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, leading the Blue Devils to an ACC title and a Final Four appearance.
This is the second consecutive year that Flagg has been recognized at the ESPYs, having won the 2024 Gatorade Male Player of the Year Award for high school athletes at last year’s event.
