The ESPYS Best Team award showcases the most dominant and influential squad across sports each year. Fans follow these performances closely because the recognition reflects sustained excellence rather than a single moment.
Voters consider team performance, cultural impact, and the ability to compete under pressure when selecting the winner. This list highlights groups that have redefined standards and united audiences around a shared identity.
| Season | Sport | Team | Key Achievement | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Cricket | Australia Men's ODI Team | World Cup victory | Restored dominance in white-ball cricket |
| 2022 | NBA Basketball | Golden State Warriors | NBA Championship | Revived franchise legacy |
| 2021 | Tennis | Albany Capitals (World TeamTennis) | WTT Champions | Elevated team tennis profile |
| 2020 | MLB Baseball | Los Angeles Dodgers | World Series title | Ended championship drought |
| 2019 | Women's Soccer | USWNT | World Cup dominance | Advanced equal pay conversation |
The Power of Team Excellence
Defining the ESPYS Best Team
The ESPYS Best Team award highlights units that achieve greatness through coordination and trust. Unlike individual honors, this recognition belongs to every contributor on the roster.
Criteria Used by Voters
Voting panels review season-long performance, clutch moments, and leadership demonstrated both on and off the field. They also weigh how a team handles adversity and represents its sport globally.
Historic Team Performances
Championship Seasons
Several winners have turned around years of frustration with a single championship run. These campaigns often feature iconic plays, resilient comebacks, and a clear peak in team chemistry.
Cultural Influence Beyond Wins
Some teams reshape how sports are played or perceived, influencing training methods, tactical trends, and fan engagement. Their impact extends into communities and inspires the next generation.
Athlete Leadership and Representation
Role Models On and Off the Field
Winners often include players who speak up for meaningful causes, demonstrating that sport can drive social progress. Their presence amplifies messages around inclusion, mental health, and grassroots development.
Diversity and Unified Purpose
Successful teams bring together different backgrounds under a shared mission. This diversity of perspective fuels innovation in strategy and strengthens group cohesion during high-stakes moments.
Technical and Tactical Mastery
Strategic Cohesion
Elite units execute complex game plans with precision, adapting in real time to opponents' adjustments. Coaches and players collaborate to refine systems that maximize individual strengths within the structure.
Consistency and Resilience
Maintaining performance across a long season requires depth, injury management, and psychological toughness. Teams that prioritize recovery and data analysis often sustain excellence longer than peers.
The Future of Team Recognition
As sports evolve, the ESPYS Best Team award will continue to reflect how collaboration, innovation, and leadership define greatness. Fans can expect new stories of unity and achievement as emerging teams chase this prestigious honor.
- Review season-long performance and clutch moments when evaluating candidates
- Consider cultural influence and leadership beyond traditional statistics
- Analyze how teams adapt to adversity and maintain consistency
- Track global impact and representation in shaping the sport's future
FAQ
Reader questions
Which sport has won the ESPYS Best Team most frequently?
Basketball and baseball teams frequently appear among the winners due to their high visibility and strong fan engagement in the ESPYS voting audience.
How is the winner selected each year?
Voting panels and fan votes combine to determine the winner, with emphasis on team achievements, character, and global influence rather than single-game results.
Can an international club team win this award?
Yes, the award recognizes excellence globally, so teams from soccer, basketball, and other sports outside the United States regularly receive consideration.
What impact does winning have on the team's legacy?
Receiving the ESPYS Best Team honor reinforces a culture of excellence and is often cited in historical rankings of the franchise and its players.