ESPN announced on Tuesday that they have chosen an unexpected host for the 2025 ESPYs, and the response from fans was overwhelmingly positive.
Comedian and actor Shane Gillis will host the 2025 ESPYs, which will be aired live on Wednesday, July 16.
Shane Gillis is your 2025 ESPYS Host ‼️
— ESPN (@espn) June 24, 2025
Watch the ESPYS on July 16th LIVE on ABC | ESPN+ 🍿 pic.twitter.com/ZOcPzJ6hKF
A number of star athletes and celebrities have hosted the ESPYs over the years. Serena Williams was the host last year, and some other recent hosts include Stephen Curry, Anthony Mackie and Tracy Morgan.
Gillis was not the name fans expected to see, but most of them are extremely excited.
Best decision they could've ever made.
— The RE-Think Tank (@re_think_tank) June 24, 2025
— Pick6 (@Pick6) June 24, 2025
Wow best choice possible. I will be watching
— Kevin Cosio (@Cosio_Kevin10) June 24, 2025
This is going to be the best one yet
— Rome (@RomeJayX) June 24, 2025
Very rare W by ESPN
— Blames (@blames_) June 24, 2025
Good. Maybe itll be funny for once.
— Kuai Liang (@LonelyDrink) June 24, 2025
Gillis does not fit the mold of someone who would usually be given a platform by ESPN, though choosing him as a host continues a recent pattern for the network. Gillis was also a guest on ESPN’s “College GameDay” last season and proved that he is unafraid to make anyone a punchline when he took a shot at Nick Saban.
With Gillis known for dark humor and pushing the envelope, a lot of athletes and celebrities will probably be on edge during the ESPYs. He could potentially write some jokes that make things that past hosts have said look extremely tame.
