The WNBA has been on a meteoric rise, gaining popularity like never before. But despite this growth, basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal believes the women’s league still lags behind in terms of entertainment. His proposed solution, however, didn’t sit well with one of the WNBA’s brightest stars-Angel Reese-who accused Shaq of sexism.
The arrival of athletes like Reese, Caitlin Clark, and Kamilla Cardoso has drawn a wave of new fans. With TV ratings climbing and media coverage expanding, many see the WNBA as finally gaining the attention it deserves.
Yet, Shaq stirred controversy by suggesting the league lacks the same level of excitement as men’s basketball unless marquee players like Reese or Clark are on the court.
“Our game is different because we do all the stuff-alley-oops…” the former Lakers star commented, sparking criticism for his remarks.
Shaq’s suggestion sparks outrage
During a guest appearance on the podcast Unapologetically Angel, hosted by Chi Barbie, O’Neal offered a solution that left Reese fuming. “I have a solution for that, but nobody’s gonna like my solution,” Shaq teased before revealing it: the WNBA should lower the rims to encourage more dunks.
“Just so we can dunk? No!” Reese shot back immediately. “I hate when men say that.”
Shaq argued that dunking is the only thing separating the women’s league from the NBA, adding that the WNBA already has elite shooters, flashy ball handlers, and even the occasional courtside drama.
But Reese wasn’t convinced. “I don’t feel like it still would change,” she responded. “People always disrespect women regardless. They’re never going to give us the same value as a man.”
Pretty girls dunking?
The debate escalated when Shaq referenced Reese’s rival, Caitlin Clark, highlighting her deep shooting range as something the public has not seen in women’s basketball.
But it was his final comment that raised eyebrows: “A pretty girl dunking on the rim? I’d watch that all day.” The Sky’s star responded with a chuckle, but her frustration was clear.
With players like Reese, Clark, and A’ja Wilson driving up ratings and bringing new energy to the league, Shaq’s suggestion seems unlikely to gain traction. As the WNBA continues to thrive on its own terms, the Hall of Famer’s advice may soon be forgotten.
