A marketing executive has filed a gender discrimination lawsuit against the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, alleging that the organisation's president and CEO, John Doleva, refuses to hire women. Tracy Shirer, who has nearly 30 years of experience, claims she was passed over for a senior marketing role in favour of less qualified male candidates.
According to the complaint filed in Massachusetts federal court, Shirer was told by several Hall of Fame employees that Doleva “does not hire women.” The lawsuit highlights that only one of the Hall’s eight officers is female. Shirer, 55, had volunteered at the Hall’s annual Enshrinement Weekend for years, handling critical tasks such as escorting inductee Bill Russell and other VIPs.
Shirer applied for the vice president and director of marketing position in July 2024. During her interview with Doleva, she alleges he asked if she was crying when she became emotional discussing a former boss, and expressed concern about her “gossiping” with a female friend on staff. Despite receiving positive feedback from a panel of four senior officials, the role was offered to a male candidate with a background in insurance marketing, who declined. It was then offered to another male candidate from the online sports betting sector.
Shirer’s attorney, Harold Lichten, stated that the winning candidates had credentials “far below” those of his client. The Hall of Fame’s attorney, Meaghan Murphy, denied any wrongdoing, saying the organisation intends to “vigorously defend itself.” Murphy noted that Shirer was an applicant, not an employee, and that the Hall does not typically comment on pending litigation.
The lawsuit seeks damages for sex discrimination under state and federal law, as well as emotional distress and legal costs.
