Host Serena Williams Serves Cutting Joke On Caitlin Clark To Kick Off 2024 ESPYs

Host Serena Williams got the 2024 ESPYS off to a fun start with her monologue that addressed rap beefs with Kendrick Lamar, Shohei Ohtani’s translator, Bronny James getting drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers and — in the biggest reaction on social — Caitlin Clark‘s start to her WNBA career.

Williams entered the stage surrounded by people in tennis outfits.

“Caitlin Clark had an amazing year and is nominated for three awards,” Williams started her joke at the packed Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. “You are the Larry Bird in that you are an amazing player, you have ties to Indiana, and white people are really crazy about you.”

Clark, who was not at the show, was nominated for three awards: best women’s athlete, best record-breaking performance and best women’s college athlete.

Watch the full Williams monologue above.