Bill Burr’s Unfiltered Take on Women, WNBA, USWNT, and Modern Culture: A Deep Dive into His Latest Netflix Special

Bill Burr, one of the most provocative and outspoken comedians today, has never shied away from controversial topics or bluntly expressing his opinions. His newest Netflix special, Bill Burr: Live at Red Rocks, has garnered much attention — both for his razor-sharp humor and the divisive issues he tackles. One segment in particular has sparked heated debate, as Burr lays the blame squarely on women for the underperformance and lack of popularity of women’s professional sports leagues such as the WNBA and the US Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT).

Burr’s Controversial Stance on Women’s Sports

In his routine, Burr dives into the glaring disparity between men’s and women’s sports, focusing mainly on basketball and soccer. He draws attention to the fact that women’s leagues have struggled with attendance and revenue for decades despite support from male sponsors. But instead of blaming systemic issues or marketing failures, Burr shocks audiences by placing the blame directly on women themselves.

He says:
“Look at the WNBA — they’ve been playing in front of 300 to 400 people a night for a quarter-century. And keep in mind, this is a league backed by men’s money. We gave you this league, and nobody showed up. Where are all the feminists? They should be filling those arenas — painted faces, baseball caps, acting crazy like the guys do!”

This biting remark sets the tone for the rest of his commentary, as Burr argues that the lack of female attendance and support is the real reason women’s sports remain niche. He accuses women of failing the WNBA, saying:
“No one comes to those damn games. You’ve let them down — not me, not men — but women. Ladies, name five of the greatest WNBA players of all time. Name five WNBA teams. Name your city’s WNBA team. You can’t do it!”

According to Burr, female fans simply don’t care enough about these leagues to fill seats or watch games, which perpetuates their struggle to grow and be financially successful.

The USWNT and Women’s Soccer: More of the Same

Burr’s criticism extends beyond basketball. He turns his spotlight to women’s soccer, emphasizing poor ticket sales and fan engagement:
“You can’t sell tickets to save your life. Nobody shows up to women’s soccer. You play in a 20,000-seat stadium, and only 1,500 people show up. Tonight was a joke! The promoters are scumbags for even putting that on.”

He ridicules the backlash from women’s soccer players against men, claiming:
“Nobody watches your dumb sport, and then you come at us yelling about ‘sexism’ and ‘men being jerks.’ I don’t care about women’s soccer — it’s not my problem.”

This blunt dismissal ignited backlash from fans and athletes alike, who argue that Burr’s perspective ignores decades of unequal funding, media coverage, and cultural barriers.

Pop Culture and the Kardashian Comparison

In a twist, Burr brings up the Kardashians and reality TV stars as a counterpoint to professional female athletes. He points out how some female celebrities earn billions without traditional careers or athletic achievement:
“Look at the Kardashians. They’re making billions doing absolutely nothing. Watch the ‘Real Housewives’ — they’re raking in serious cash. That’s what women want to watch. Money follows that.”

He criticizes the cultural fascination with drama and reality TV over collective female athletic success:
“They film women tearing each other apart over money, Botox, shoes, and designer bags like it’s raining cash. And that’s what the money follows. You’d rather watch women fight amongst themselves than unite as a team trying to achieve something.”

This bleak commentary paints a picture of a culture that rewards conflict and spectacle over teamwork and athleticism in women’s entertainment.

Why Burr’s Remarks Sparked Controversy

Burr’s comments triggered immediate outrage and confusion. Fans of the WNBA and USWNT accused him of blaming victims and ignoring the real structural and societal reasons women’s sports haven’t reached mainstream success yet. Critics point out that women’s sports leagues often face inferior funding, lack of media coverage, and deeply ingrained cultural biases that limit their growth.

Others argue Burr’s generalization about female fans is unfair and insulting, claiming many women are passionate supporters but are overshadowed by a male-dominated sports culture that marginalizes them.

At the same time, some viewers defend Burr’s honesty and see his critique as a tough-love wake-up call to female sports fans and leagues to increase grassroots support and visibility.

The Broader Context of Gender Disparity in Sports

Bill Burr’s rant touches on a much bigger, complex issue — the longstanding gender gap in professional sports. For decades, women athletes have battled for equality in pay, exposure, sponsorship, and respect. The WNBA, launched in 1996, has struggled to reach wide audiences despite top-notch talent and competitive play. The USWNT, despite winning multiple World Cups, still fights for equal pay and fair treatment.

Yet, societal attitudes and consumer behavior heavily influence these leagues’ success. Men’s sports dominate headlines, airwaves, and advertising dollars, creating a self-reinforcing cycle where women’s sports struggle to gain traction.

Burr’s comments, though harsh, highlight the frustrating reality that building a thriving sports culture requires fan engagement and attendance — and currently, many women’s sports leagues are still trying to break through.