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Mina Kimes, the Emmy-winning ESPN analyst, is about to score her biggest broadcasting moment yet. The 3-time school spelling bee champion will host the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee semifinals and finals on May 27-28 on ION, trading sports commentary for words that will determine 247 young spellers’ destinies in Washington, D.C.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Host: Emmy Award-winning ESPN senior writer and NFL analyst Mina Kimes
- Dates: Semifinals May 27 (8-10 p.m. ET) and Finals May 28 (8-10 p.m. ET) on ION
- Competitors: 247 spellers from across the country competing at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.
- Producer: Michael Davies, 10-time Emmy winner, brings fresh vision to the iconic 101-year-old competition
A Dream Come True for a Former Champion
Mina Kimes is not just hosting this event, she is living a childhood dream. Back in second grade, young Mina won her first spelling bee trophy, launching a journey that would include three school-level championships before her competitive days ended. She shared that iconic throwback photo of herself holding that second-grade trophy on social media, proving this moment means everything to her.
The ESPN analyst brings her signature storytelling abilities and passion for competition to what many consider the “Super Bowl for kids like me,” as she described the spelling bee world. Her Emmy-winning career showcases her ability to capture human stories within sports’ biggest moments, a skill that perfectly translates to showcasing the intellectual athletes competing on this historic stage.
Mina Kimes to host 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee on May 27-28 on ION
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A Fresh Take on an Educational Icon
This year marks a transformative moment for the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which has run since 1925 and now reaches 128 million households. Embassy Row, led by legendary producer Michael Davies, is reimagining the broadcast with modern production techniques while honoring the competition’s 100+ year legacy.
Davies has produced some of television’s most iconic quiz formats, including “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?” and “Jeopardy!” His expertise in building tension and character development will elevate every word spelled and every competitor’s journey. The goal is simple: spotlight the spellers, the language, and the historic stakes of this American tradition.
Event Details and Broadcast Schedule
| Detail | Information |
| Semifinals Broadcast | Wednesday, May 27, 8-10 p.m. ET on ION |
| Finals Broadcast | Thursday, May 28, 8-10 p.m. ET on ION |
| Venue | DAR Constitution Hall, Washington, D.C. |
| Total Competitors | 247 spellers |
| Network | ION (owned by The E.W. Scripps Company) |
“I could not be more excited to host this year’s Scripps National Spelling Bee. Coming from the world of sports, I see these contestants as elite competitors. I can’t wait to see their preparation pay off on such an illustrious stage. Growing up, this really was the Super Bowl for kids like me, and I’m honored to play a role in what’s sure to be an unforgettable week.”
— Mina Kimes, ESPN Analyst and Host
Why Mina Kimes is the Perfect Host
Scripps National Spelling Bee executive director Corrie Loeffler praised the casting choice, noting that Mina shows over and over how cool it is to be smart. Her unique combination of Emmy-award winning journalism, NFL analysis expertise, and authentic spelling bee experience creates an undeniable connection with the competition.
Before joining ESPN, Mina Kimes built a distinguished career as an investigative journalist with Fortune and Bloomberg News, where she covered complex business and policy stories. She graduated summa cum laude from Yale University with degrees in English, bringing intellectual rigor to every role she takes on. Now, as a Celebrity Jeopardy champion and beloved media personality, she bridges the worlds of sports analysis and intellectual competition perfectly.
What Will Make This Year’s Spelling Bee Different?
Viewers tuning in on May 27-28 will notice the broadcast feels elevated and intimate. Michael Davies and Embassy Row are focusing each moment on individual spellers, the drama of unfamiliar words, and the emotional stakes of national competition. The production will highlight the preparation, sacrifice, and brilliance of these young competitors.
This is not just another spelling competition, it is a celebration of literacy, learning, and the pursuit of excellence among America’s brightest young minds. With Mina Kimes as guide and Michael Davies behind the cameras, the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee promises to be the most compelling version yet of this 101-year tradition.
