Shane Gillis Tricks ESPYs Crowd with Fake WNBA Star Joke, League Likely Unamused
Her introduction prompted applause from the audience. The problem is that she's not a four-time All-Star. In fact, she's never played in the WNBA.
And the audience had no clue.
'Four-time WNBA All-Star Brittany Hicks is here, everybody, give it up for Brittany,' Gillis excitedly declared.
After a short pause, Gillis continued: 'I'm joking around, that's my friend's wife. I knew none of you knew WNBA players.'
Not a Good Sign for the WNBA
The viral moment, which has amassed over 300,000 views online, sparked debate about the WNBA's popularity and Shane Gillis' provocative comedic style.
Of course, the question here is who should be more embarrassed by this joke – the crowd who had no idea if they were looking at a WNBA star, or the league, which only has maybe one or two identifiable faces?
People know Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and A'ja Wilson, but beyond that?
Viewers on social media lauded the joke as a solid, well-deserved jab at the league.
'Gillis just served up one of the classiest middle fingers in award show history,' one fan wrote. 'Straight outta the Ricky Gervais playbook.'
'Using your best friend's wife to set up a joke about a fake WNBA player to call out an entire audience for pandering is perhaps the best executed joke of all time,' a popular Barstool Sports personality added. 'And it came at the ESPYS!'
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Shane Gillis Causes Controversy at the ESPYs
The WNBA has long faced challenges in gaining recognition and respect. And they aren't helping themselves by poorly marketing a generational talent in Caitlin Clark.
The WNBA has struggled to market Clark effectively due to its failure to consistently promote her as a central figure, despite her driving unprecedented viewership and attendance. Instead, they prioritize league-wide narratives over her individual star power.
Poor officiating, marked by inconsistent calls and unpunished physical play, has now contributed to Clark's injuries, as referees fail to protect star players. The league's biggest star not being on television is a ratings killer.
Despite Clark's impact boosting ratings by 300% and attendance by 60%, the WNBA reportedly lost $40-$50 million in 2024.
Shane Gillis at the ESPYs also caused controversy with his joke about the Indiana Fever star.
'When Caitlin Clark retires from the WNBA, she's going to work at a Waffle House so she can continue doing what she loves most, fist fighting Black women,' he quipped.
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