If there’s one thing Shaquille O’Neal has never been accused of, it’s holding back an opinion.
Whether he’s breaking down NBA games, joking with Charles Barkley, or chatting with today’s biggest stars, the Big Diesel has always said exactly what’s on his mind. This time, his comments turned toward the WNBA during a conversation with Angel Reese on her “Unapologetically Angel” podcast.
As expected, Shaq’s thoughts got basketball fans talking.
When Reese asked about the difference between the NBA and WNBA, Shaq pointed to one simple ingredient he believes has always made the men’s game especially exciting for casual viewers: above-the-rim action.
According to Shaq, spectacular dunks, alley-oops, fast breaks, and highlight-reel plays have always helped the NBA capture attention. He believes that explosive style creates unforgettable moments that fans love to replay and share.
It’s hardly surprising coming from one of the greatest dunkers the game has ever seen.
During his Hall of Fame career, Shaq made a living rattling backboards and making defenders question their career choices. If anyone appreciates the entertainment value of a thunderous slam dunk, it’s the man once known as the Big Aristotle.
That said, Shaq wasn’t dismissing the women’s game. In fact, he made it clear he believes the WNBA has nearly everything else needed to thrive.
He even singled out Angel Reese while imagining what it would be like if more players regularly finished above the rim, joking that fans would go wild if those moments became more common.
Of course, WNBA history already has its share of memorable dunkers.
Legends like Lisa Leslie, Candace Parker, Sylvia Fowles, and Brittney Griner have all shown that high-flying moments can happen. Griner, in particular, has made dunking a regular part of her game throughout her outstanding career, proving that women’s basketball can certainly deliver highlight plays.
Still, the reality is that the WNBA has built its identity around different strengths.
Elite passing, outstanding shooting, defensive intensity, team chemistry, and high basketball IQ have become trademarks of the league. Those qualities have attracted an ever-growing fan base that appreciates the game on its own merits rather than comparing it to the NBA.
And business is booming.
Attendance continues to reach new highs, television ratings have climbed dramatically in recent seasons, and a wave of exciting young stars has introduced millions of new fans to the league.
Players like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers have become household names, bringing fresh energy and enormous personalities that extend far beyond the basketball court. Their popularity has helped create a new generation of WNBA fans who tune in every night for the competition, rivalries, and compelling storylines.
In many ways, that’s exactly what every successful sports league hopes to build.
Shaq’s comments weren’t really about criticizing the WNBA. They were simply his perspective as one of basketball’s greatest entertainers—a player who built an unforgettable career on spectacular highlights and larger-than-life moments.
The good news for women’s basketball is that its future has never looked brighter.
Whether the next viral moment comes from a game-winning three-pointer, a dazzling assist, a lockdown defensive play, or maybe even a rim-rattling dunk, the WNBA continues proving that there’s more than one way to captivate basketball fans.
And if Shaq is watching, you can bet he’ll have another opinion ready when it happens.