Behind the scenes of the ESPYS, the real magic happens at the private events and after-parties — a playground for athletes, celebrities, and brands alike.

All over L.A., exclusive lounges pop up like secret clubs, where the guest lists are tight and the swag is even tighter. Athletes stroll in fresh off the red carpet and leave with arms full of luxury gift bags — think designer sneakers, high-end skincare, custom jewelry, and tech gadgets that haven’t even hit the market yet. Brands pull out all the stops, setting up interactive experiences, pop-up photo ops, and tasting stations with craft cocktails and gourmet bites.

It’s part party, part brand showcase, and part networking dream. One minute, you’re chatting with an Olympic gold medalist over truffle sliders, the next you’re sampling new fitness gear alongside an NFL star. Everyone's showing off — from athletes flexing their style to brands flaunting the coolest products of the year. For insiders, these events are where the deals are made, the connections happen, and the stories worth telling come to life — all before the after-party even begins.