Trump's Patriot Games to be broadcast by ESPN and ABC with $250,000 scholarships
The 2026 Patriot Games, a youth fitness competition announced by the White House, will be aired on ESPN and ABC and will award scholarships to male and female champions.
The White House announced that the 2026 Patriot Games, a nationwide fitness competition for one boy and one girl from each state, will be televised on the ESPN app and ABC. The event, described by the organizers as a celebration of "the values that have shaped the United States for nearly 250 years," will feature activities such as kickball, dodgeball, tug-of-war and a variation of the historic Presidential Fitness Test.
"Freedom 250 announced that the 2026 Patriot Games will bring together outstanding young Americans from across the nation to compete, inspire, and showcase the values that have shaped the United States for nearly 250 years. The competition will award a $250,000 scholarship prize pool to one male and one female champion, creating life-changing opportunities for young Americans while inspiring millions across the country," the official release said.
The broadcast marks a collaboration between the Trump administration and Disney-owned ESPN, which have had a contentious relationship in the past. The partnership is being presented as a possible outreach effort.
Former race driver Danica Patrick, who recently appeared in a promotional photo highlighting her fitness, was mentioned in connection with the event, though no official role was confirmed. The coverage also noted the return of NFL preseason games, including the Hall of Fame game, and highlighted recent moments in Major League Baseball, such as a rookie pitcher debut in Cleveland and a fan-selected broadcaster in Philadelphia.