ESPYS audience cheers for fake WNBA star Brittany Hicks before Shane Gillis exposes the truth on stage (Image Via X) The night of July 16, 2025 saw the ESPY Awards take place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, with comedian Shane Gillis as the host. He opened with a monologue, in which he pointed out a woman in the audience and said she was a four-time WNBA All-Star, named Brittany Hicks. The crowd all applauded with no questions asked. Moments later, Shane Gillis laughed and admitted he was joking. The woman was actually his friend’s wife, and the name was fake. His prank caught everyone off guard and instantly grabbed attention.
How Shane Gillis teased crowd with fake “Brittany Hicks” All‑Star claim
Shane Gillis started his opening monologue by introducing “Brittany Hicks” as a four-time WNBA All‑Star. He got applause from the Dolby Theatre audience before he laughed and said, “Actually, that’s my friend’s wife.” He joked, “I knew none of you knew WNBA players”, making the audience realize they had been fooled.Shane Gillis was pointing out two things: WNBA stars are often not well known, and that he got everyone to clap for someone who doesn’t exist. It was a playful but sharp way to poke fun at himself, the crowd, and the league.
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Caitlin Clark and Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander jokes add to mixed reaction
Later in the night, Shane Gillis made another big joke about Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever guard and Best WNBA Player winner. He said, “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.” This line made some audience members uncomfortable, and while a few laughed, others seemed shocked as Caitlin Clark was not at the event.He also took a shot at Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder star and Best Male Athlete winner. He joked about SGA and free throws, saying “Everybody sitting around him is in foul trouble.” This got a mixed response, some laughed, some didn’t.Shane Gillis’ opening stunt drew laughter, surprise, and a few uneasy glances. It showed just how mixed the night was, some saw it as funny, others as cringey. The ESPYS honored major stars like Biles, SGA, Clark, Taurasi, and Morgan, but Shane Gillis’ tone kept the evening unpredictable.