Dec 1, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) signs autographs for fans before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Dec 1, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) signs autographs for fans before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

My Wish — the beloved SportsCenter series that’s granted unforgettable moments to children facing critical illnesses — is returning for its 18th season on Sunday, July 13. ESPN officially announced the news Wednesday, confirming that the 2025 edition will once again feature longtime host Chris Connelly and a lineup of some of the biggest names in sports.

Since its debut in 2006, My Wish has paired more than 85 young fans with their favorite athletes in collaboration with Make-A-Wish. The 2023 season included Mike Trout and Josh Allen, while 2024 saw appearances from Olympic champion Katie Ledecky and Tua Tagovailoa, all while keeping alive My Wish’s tradition of pairing young fans with the biggest names in sports.

The 2025 edition will spotlight Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson, Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud, boxing champion Canelo Álvarez, and the viral baseball sensation Savannah Bananas. Each night from July 13–17, SportsCenter will follow a new wish fulfillment, culminating in a Thursday night recap special.

The series will also feature an updated rendition of the song that’s become its signature. Rascal Flatts’ “My Wish” — the series’ signature anthem since 2006 — returns this year with a reimagined version featuring fellow Grammy winner Carly Pearce.

“Nearly 20 years after I started hosting My Wish, I am just as inspired by these children and their families as I was in 2006,” said Connelly in a statement. “I’m honored that I can play even a small part in making these well-deserving kids’ dreams come true.”

Though SportsCenter keeps evolving, My Wish remains a powerful reminder of how sports can uplift, heal, and bring joy exactly when it’s needed most.

About Sam Neumann

Since the beginning of 2023, Sam has been a staff writer for Awful Announcing and The Comeback. A 2021 graduate of Temple University, Sam is a Charlotte native, who currently calls Greenville, South Carolina his home. He also has a love/hate relationship with the New York Mets and Jets.