Shane Gillis Takes the Mic: What to Expect from His Controversial 2025 ESPY Awards Hosting Debut

When it came time for the show’s game picks, Gillis’ comments were brought up, and the comedian doubled down on his take, which appeared to anger Saban. After the show, Gillis mentioned how Saban seemed actually upset with him.

Shane Gillis will host the 2025 ESPY Awards, which celebrate the past year in sports. The show will take place Wednesday, July 16 at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. local) at The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.The 2025 ESPYS are approaching, and a comedian will be at center stage.The buzz is real — the 2025 ESPYs are just around the corner, and this time, the spotlight will shine on comedian Shane Gillis as he takes the helm as host. Set for July 16 at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, this star-studded night promises to celebrate the best in sports from the past year, complete with Gillis’ sharp wit and unabashed passion for the game. As the first non-athlete to lead the show since 2021, Gillis brings a fresh vibe to the ESPYs — blending humor with his deep-rooted love for sports, especially football. From turning heads on ESPN with his candid takes to making headlines as a die-hard Notre Dame enthusiast, Gillis is poised to make this a memorable event. For anyone who lives for sports highlights and those unforgettable moments that make the year, this installment of the ESPYs is shaping up to be one you won’t wanna miss. LEARN MORE“Shane is not only one of the top comedians today, but also a huge sports fan, which made him an easy choice to host The ESPYS,” said ESPN vice president and ESPYS executive producer Craig Lazarus.”Gillis will be the host of the 33rd ESPY Awards. Here is everyone that has hosted the event:

It made for entertaining TV, but let’s hope Gillis vs. Saban doesn’t happen again at the ESPYS.Gillis will be the first non-athlete to host the show since 2021 when actor Anthony Mackie had the duty. However, the creator and star of the Netflix show “Tires” is an avid sports fan.

“I’m excited to be at The ESPYS this year,” Gillis said in a statement. “I like sports so this should be a good time.”The comedian was the celebrity guest-picker on “College GameDay” ahead of the College Football Playoff first round matchup between Notre Dame and Indiana on Dec. 20 at Notre Dame Stadium. During the show, Gillis made a slight dig at show analyst and former Alabama coach Nick Saban. He said the Fighting Irish now had a chance at winning since athletes could be paid and it’s “not just the SEC and not Coach Saban” doing it.

2025 ESPY Awards: Date, time, how to watch

• Date: Wednesday, July 16
• Time: 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT)
• Location: The Dolby Theatre (Los Angeles)
• TV: ABC
• Stream:ESPN+

Watch the 2025 ESPY Awards on ESPN+

ESPYS host history

Recruited by Army and a former walk-on at Elon University, Gillis is an avid Notre Dame Fighting Irish fan. In fact, he actually had a infamous moment on ESPN as a result.

• 2024: Serena Williams
• 2023: None
• 2022: Steph Curry
• 2021: Anthony Mackie
• 2020: Russell Wilson, Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird
• 2019: Tracy Morgan
• 2018: Danica Patrick
• 2017: Peyton Manning
• 2016: John Cena
• 2015: Joel McHale
• 2014: Drake
• 2013: Jon Hamm
• 2012: Rob Riggle
• 2011: Seth Myers
• 2010: Seth Myers
• 2009: Samuel L. Jackson
• 2008: Justin Timberlake
• 2007: LeBron James and Jimmy Kimmel
• 2006: Lance Armstrong
• 2005: Matthew Perry
• 2004: Jaime Foxx
• 2003: Jaime Foxx
• 2002: Samuel L. Jackson
• 2001: Samuel L. Jackson
• 2000: Jimmy Smits
• 1999: Samuel L. Jackson
• 1998: Norm Macdonald
• 1997: Jeff Foxworthy
• 1996: Tony Danza
• 1995: John Goodman
• 1994: Dennis Miller
• 1993: Dennis Miller