Shane Gillis Sparks Outrage with Ruthless Jokes Targeting WNBA at 2025 ESPY Awards

On Wednesday night at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the much-anticipated ESPY Awards, which honors the year’s greatest sports achievements, took an unexpected turn. Comedian Shane Gillis, serving as the host, used his platform to deliver a series of harsh and controversial jokes that left the WNBA community and sports fans stunned.

An Unforgettable Night for WNBA Fans—But Not for the Right Reasons

Right from the opening monologue, Gillis sent shockwaves through the audience with his biting humor aimed directly at women’s basketball. When mentioning the New York Liberty—who famously clinched the 2024 WNBA Championship after a thrilling five-game Finals series against the Minnesota Lynx—Gillis quipped sarcastically about their origins:

“And New York Liberty. New York… a classy town in the Northeast where America was born. Wait, that’s also Philadelphia. It’s great to see a basketball team from New York actually win something.”

While the joke seemed lighthearted on the surface, it was a clear jab implying the WNBA and its teams remain overshadowed and undervalued compared to their NBA counterparts. The crowd’s laughter was mixed with awkward silence, reflecting the uncomfortable truth behind the humor.

From Sarcasm to Straight-Up Insults: Gillis’ Direct Attack on WNBA

The barbs didn’t stop there. When the camera panned to Brittany Hicks—a four-time WNBA star—Gillis delivered a cruel punchline:

“Brittany Hicks, four-time WNBA star, is here. Let’s give Brittany a round of applause… just kidding, that’s my friend’s wife. I know none of you actually know any WNBA players.”

This comment was widely criticized for disrespecting not only the athletes but also the entire league, underscoring the lingering gender bias in sports recognition. It spotlighted the challenges women’s leagues face in gaining equal attention and respect.

Caitlin Clark Becomes the Next Target of Ridicule

Not content with broad insults, Gillis zeroed in on Caitlin Clark—arguably the WNBA’s brightest star of the season. Despite Clark being honored as the WNBA Player of the Year during the same awards show, Gillis chose to mock her in his opening remarks:

“It’s a big year for the WNBA. I really love Caitlin Clark,” he said with heavy sarcasm.

“Caitlin Clark and I have a lot in common. We’re both white, Midwesterners, and have hit a few three-pointers.”

What initially sounded like a compliment quickly turned biting when Gillis finished with a joke that crossed the line:

“When Caitlin Clark retires from the WNBA, she’ll work at Waffle House so she can keep doing what she loves most: watching Black women throw punches.”

This joke was widely condemned as not only insensitive but also carrying racial undertones, offending both Clark and the broader community of female athletes. It sparked fierce backlash across social media platforms.

Community Backlash: Fans, Players, and Journalists Speak Out

Following the broadcast, outrage spread rapidly online. Fans, players, and sports journalists united in condemning Gillis’ remarks as hurtful and damaging to the image of the league. Many argued that his jokes undermined the hard work and dedication of female athletes who continue to break barriers and elevate women’s basketball.

Calls for greater respect and recognition for WNBA players grew louder, alongside criticism of award shows and networks for giving airtime to such divisive humor. The incident has prompted renewed conversations about gender equity in sports media coverage.

The Challenge WNBA Faces in Building Its Brand and Audience

This controversy highlights the ongoing hurdles WNBA faces in developing its brand and attracting wider audiences. Despite recent growth in viewership, sponsorships, and star power, the league still grapples with stereotypes and a lack of mainstream acknowledgment.

Jokes like Gillis’ reinforce negative perceptions, threaten sponsorship opportunities, and can demoralize players striving for equality. The event serves as a reminder that changing cultural attitudes toward women’s sports requires consistent effort and sensitivity.

Conclusion: When Comedy and Sports Clash

The 2025 ESPY Awards, with Shane Gillis at the helm, will be remembered as one of the most divisive moments for women’s basketball in recent memory. While comedy often pushes boundaries, the lack of nuance and respect in this instance turned humor into offense.

This incident underscores the importance of thoughtful representation and support for women athletes, not only for fairness but to help elevate women’s sports as a whole. It also calls for comedians, media, and fans alike to consider the impact of their words in shaping public perception