Shaquille O'Neal Suggests Lowering WNBA Hoop To Boost Viewers, Sparks Debate

Photo: Shaquille O’Neal (Instagram)

Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal recently shared a bold idea to increase interest in the WNBA—and boost player salaries. On Thursday, during an appearance on Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese’s podcast, Unapologetically Angel, O’Neal suggested lowering the basketball hoop slightly in WNBA games.

O’Neal acknowledged his idea might be controversial, saying, “Nobody is going to like my solution.” He explained that, like in women’s beach volleyball, adjustments are sometimes made to suit the game’s dynamics. He suggested lowering the hoop just a little bit, which he believes would make dunks more common in the WNBA, drawing in more fans.

“There are so many similarities between the NBA and WNBA—great shooters, great ball-handlers, and intense games,” O'Neal said. “The only big difference is dunking. Imagine a great female player throwing down a dunk—that would get attention!”

Photo: Shaquille O’Neal (Instagram)

However, Reese pushed back, saying she doesn’t think dunking would make a big difference and expressed frustration with men suggesting changes to women’s sports. “People always disrespect women’s sports and won’t value it the same as men’s, no matter what,” she said.

The debate highlights ongoing discussions around how to elevate the WNBA’s visibility and respect, while ensuring the players’ voices are at the center of any changes. Source: Fox Sports

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