Shane Gillis tricks ESPYS crowd with WNBA joke about Brittany Hicks [VIDEO]
Crowd Applauds “Brittany Hicks” Before Gillis Reveals It’s His Friend’s Wife
Shane Gillis, the stand-up comic known for his sharp-edged, often controversial humor, found himself at the center of viral attention again during the 2025 ESPY Awards. In a standout moment from the event, Gillis pulled off a crowd prank that not only landed a huge laugh but also sparked an unexpected conversation about women’s sports visibility—especially regarding the WNBA.
“4x WNBA All-Star Brittany Hicks is here. Give it up for Brittany, everybody. I’m just joking around; that’s my friend’s wife, I knew none of you knew WNBA players,” Gillis said. Therefore, drawing stunned applause followed by roars of laughter from the unsuspecting audience.
Gillis and the ESPYs: An Unlikely Match
Gillis’s selection as the host for this year’s ESPYS raised eyebrows ahead of the show. Known for his Netflix specials like Beautiful Dogs and his podcast Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast, his comedic style has been described as a blend of “cringe humor and ‘bro’ culture” by a 2024 America Magazine article. Critics wondered how his raw brand of comedy would fare in an environment traditionally geared toward family-friendly celebration of athletic excellence.
However, ESPN and Disney seemed to be betting on a shake-up, leaning into a generational voice who could poke fun at the polished world of sports with just the right dose of chaos. And that’s exactly what Gillis delivered.
How the Joke Unfolded
In the now-viral clip, Gillis appears poised and deadpan as he gestures to a woman in the crowd. Thus, prompting warm applause from attendees. Her name, he claimed, was Brittany Hicks, a four-time WNBA All-Star. As the audience clapped respectfully—perhaps not entirely sure who she was—Gillis delivered the punchline:
“I’m just joking around; that’s my friend’s wife. I knew none of you knew WNBA players.”
The reveal prompted uproarious laughter, stunned expressions, and immediate buzz online. Within hours, the video accumulated over 230,000 views, 3,700 likes, and 57 replies on X (formerly Twitter), spreading across platforms like wildfire.
Audience Reactions: Shock, Laughter, and Applause
The prank landed perfectly, not just because it was unexpected, but because it poked at an uncomfortable cultural truth: most of the general public could not identify a WNBA player on sight. Even with stars like Caitlin Clark bringing more eyes to women’s basketball, recognition still pales compared to the NBA.
One X user @rationaltakes said, “He Centel’d the crowd,” referencing a meme about fooling people with confidence. Another user, @suayrez, chimed in, “Shane Gillis for the ESPYs” alongside an approving meme. Replies ranged from sarcastic outrage to full-throated support of Gillis’s hosting performance.
“He didn’t give a ” wrote @chiefflips, sharing another moment where Gillis made a joke about Jeffrey Epstein.
“Dad, what was it like when Shane Gillis hosted the ESPY’s?” another user joked. Thus, sharing a meme implying it will become a moment of sports-comedy nostalgia.
Beyond the Laugh: Commentary on WNBA Recognition
While it was a joke, the punchline carried weight. It subtly (and sharply) illuminated the gap in visibility for women’s sports. Despite the WNBA growing in audience and star power, particularly with players like Caitlin Clark and A’ja Wilson, many fans and sports viewers still struggle to name active players beyond the most prominent few.
Ironically, the ESPYS had honored Caitlin Clark earlier that night with Best WNBA Player, and the Philadelphia Eagles with Best Team. Yet, Gillis’s joke proved that even at a sports-centered event, recognition of female athletes remains a challenge.
This moment echoed a theme common in Gillis’s comedy—highlighting social dynamics by leaning into the uncomfortable. As America Magazine wrote in 2024, Gillis makes people “cringe, laugh, and reflect.” That formula played out perfectly on the ESPYS stage.
A Nod to Norm Macdonald?
The prank was also reminiscent of Norm Macdonald’s legendary (and polarizing) monologue at the 1998 ESPYS, where he eviscerated athletes and celebrities alike with dry, biting wit. Comparisons have already begun to swirl online.
“He’s this generation’s Norm,” read one reply, alongside a video of Gillis roasting Caitlin Clark and the WNBA again, joking she might “fist fight black women at a Waffle House” post-retirement.
While some critics may call Gillis’s style too brash for a mainstream awards show, the internet is having a different reaction. Fans are not only praising his delivery but asking for more appearances on national TV.
Who Is Brittany Hicks, Really?
The woman at the center of the bit is reportedly the wife of Matthew McCusker, Gillis’s co-host from his podcast. Though she appeared genuinely surprised on camera, her over-the-top reaction—hands on chest, wide-eyed laughter—has also gone viral as a meme. It’s unclear if she was in on the joke ahead of time, but her reaction added to the comedic payoff.
Audience members nearby were seen laughing, clapping, and covering their mouths. Celebrities in the crowd, including Serena Williams, were seen smiling at the moment.
Meta Reactions: WNBA Fans Chime In
Of course, not all feedback was playful. Some users noted the broader implications of Gillis’s joke:
“Yeah, this was hilarious, but it also says everything about how little coverage the WNBA gets,” one fan wrote.
Others defended Gillis, pointing out that jokes often reveal uncomfortable truths in ways headlines cannot.
“If this gets one person to Google a real WNBA player, it did its job,” another quipped.
Final Thoughts
In just 17 seconds, Shane Gillis managed to combine viral humor, social commentary, and old-school misdirection. Whether you found it hilarious or a little too close to home, there’s no doubt it worked—and it worked in a way only Gillis could pull off.
In the evolving world of award show hosting, Gillis didn’t just show up—he flipped the script. And Brittany Hicks, whoever she may be, is now unofficially one of the most talked-about “WNBA All-Stars” in ESPYS history.
Meanwhile, Shane Gillis has gotten quite the spotlight from his 15 minutes of fame. While he’s a well-known comedian, this was his debut on the true big stage. When he got up there, Gillis made sure he was remembered.