Drake Announced as Host of "The 2014 ESPYS"

Live Telecast of Awards on July 16 from Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles

Grammy Award-winning, platinum-selling recording artist and multi-faceted performer Drake announced today via Twitter that he will host The 2014 ESPYS on Wednesday, July 16, at the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles. The Awards will be televised live starting at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN. The ESPYS raise more than $1 million annually for The V Foundation, the charity founded by the late basketball coach Jim Valvano to promote cancer research.

Drake will be joined by top athletes and entertainers to celebrate the year's best moments in sports. Beyond Drake's numerous and notable accomplishments in the creative space, he is also the Global Ambassador on the executive committee for his hometown's Toronto Raptors.

"Drake is an unbelievably talented entertainer who truly has a passion for sports. We are thrilled to have him to host this year's show," said Connor Schell, vice president, ESPN Films and Original Entertainment, who oversees the ESPYS.

"This is an incredible opportunity for me to combine two of my biggest passions - sports and performing," said Drake.

Adds Maura Mandt, executive producer, "Drake's charisma, energy and fearlessness come across whether he's performing music, acting or doing comedy. We are all in for an unforgettable program."

Drake is currently riding high on the success of his international "Would You Like a Tour" in support of his third studio album, Nothing Was the Same. Drake holds the record for the most number one hits on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop chart. In January 2014, Drake pulled double duty as host and musical guest on NBC's Saturday Night Live in one of the highest rated episodes of the season. Drake has become a true visionary and artist with his music and lifestyle brand, October's Very Own.

The ESPYS

The ESPYS gather top celebrities from sports and entertainment to commemorate the past year in sports by recognizing major sports achievements, reliving unforgettable moments and saluting the leading performers and performances. The 2014 ESPYS will recognize both sport-specific achievements, such as "Best MLB Player" and "Best WNBA Player," and best-in-sport winners, such as "Best Team" or "Best Female Athlete" that pit nominees from different sports against each other. The ESPYS honor ESPN's commitment to The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a partnership launched with the late Jim Valvano at the inaugural ESPYS in 1993.

For additional ESPYS news and information, please follow our official ESPYS Twitter handle: @ESPYS.