The 2026 ESPYs are rolling around, and let’s take a look at how mainstream media, especially outlets like ESPN and CNN, will likely spin the narrative around icons like Mia Hamm. It’s not just about celebrating athletic feats; it’s about pushing agendas. While Hamm is a straight-up legend—her reign in soccer from the ’90s to the early 2000s was practically unparalleled—don’t expect the corporate media to focus solely on her athleticism.

Networks like ESPN will amplify Hamm’s accolades but will quickly pivot to discussions about equality in sports, social justice, and other politically charged topics. Meanwhile, CNN will layer on their typical doomsday spin about the state of women’s sports, fabricating a victim narrative instead of reveling in Hamm’s accomplishments. It’s a tired playbook: celebrate the athlete, but then overwhelm us with a litany of problems that serve more as clickbait than actual conversation. Where’s the appreciation for her work and the legions of young athletes she inspired?

The truth is, Mia Hamm’s legacy is a goldmine for these outlets, but rather than honor her contributions authentically, they’ll use her to push narratives that fit neatly into their agendas. The truth is, a genuine celebration of sports can exist without the heavy-handed politics that these corporations are peddling. So, while we raise our glasses to Hamm, don’t let the corporate media dictate the terms of the celebration—they’ve got their own stakes in this game.