Giants' Laurie Tisch named ESPN's Sports Philanthropist of the Year

Laurie M. Tisch, co-owner of the New York Giants and Gotham FC, was honored with the 2026 Sports Philanthropist of the Year Award at ESPN’s 12th annual Sports Humanitarian Awards, held July 14 at Gotham Hall in New York City.

The award recognizes individuals who drive measurable social change through sports via comprehensive philanthropic strategies.

Tisch received the honor for her leadership of the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund and its $10 million multi-year Play to Thrive initiative, launched in 2025. This effort harnesses sports to expand access, strengthen mentorship, and support youth development, with a focus on girls’ opportunities and underserved communities.

Key partnerships include support for Gotham FC’s Keep Her in the Game with Girls Leadership, Elevate Play with Playworks, Street Soccer USA, South Bronx United, City Parks Foundation, and the Aspen Institute’s Project Play. These investments aim to create safe spaces for play, promote mental health, and foster joy through movement.

A lifelong Giants fan and president of the Illumination Fund since 2007, Tisch has a track record of innovative giving, including the $25 million Arts in Health initiative. She serves on boards such as the Women’s Sports Foundation and chairs efforts for the Children’s Museum of Manhattan.

Giants legend Justin Tuck was on hand to present Tisch with the award.

“Growing up, giving to what we believed in was just called doing the right thing — we never called it philanthropy,” Tisch said, via ESPN.

The ceremony, hosted by Christine Williamson, celebrated sports’ power to uplift communities and support causes like the V Foundation for Cancer Research