Outsports’ “Ballin’ Out” Wins Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Short Form Program, Spotlighting LGBTQ Team USA Women’s Wheelchair Basketball

Outsports’ “Ballin’ Out,” a groundbreaking short-form documentary series centered on LGBTQ Team USA Women’s Wheelchair Basketball players, was awarded the Emmy for Outstanding Short Form Program at the 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, held in October 2025 . This award recognizes not only the creative excellence of the series but also its impact in amplifying underrepresented voices within both the sports and LGBTQ communities.

“Ballin’ Out” was produced by Outsports, a leading platform dedicated to LGBTQ sports coverage, with executive producers Jim Buzinski and Cyd Zeigler and directed by Michiel Thomas . The series focuses on the personal and athletic journeys of LGBTQ athletes on Team USA’s Women’s Wheelchair Basketball team, offering viewers an intimate portrait of their challenges, perseverance, and victories.

This recognition is particularly meaningful given the persistent barriers faced by LGBTQ athletes, especially those with disabilities, in accessing visibility and support. Through candid interviews and dynamic storytelling, “Ballin’ Out” sheds light on the intersectionality of identity, sport, and disability, offering nuanced perspectives on inclusion in athletics .

The Emmy win signals a broader shift in sports media toward more inclusive coverage, reflecting the growing acknowledgment of LGBTQ athletes in traditionally underrepresented spaces. By centering the experiences of women’s wheelchair basketball players, “Ballin’ Out” highlights the importance of authentic representation and the power of narrative to foster empathy and understanding .

In interviews following the ceremony, executive producer Jim Buzinski emphasized the significance of the win: “This award is a testament to the athletes’ courage and the importance of telling stories that challenge stereotypes and celebrate diversity in sports” . Director Michiel Thomas, known for his work in LGBTQ documentary filmmaking, noted that the series aimed to “create space for athletes whose stories have rarely been given the spotlight they deserve.”

The featured athletes—whose voices and stories are at the heart of “Ballin’ Out”—have expressed hope that the series will inspire young LGBTQ people, especially those with disabilities, to pursue their athletic dreams and feel seen in their communities .

“Ballin’ Out” distinguishes itself through its short-form structure, presenting tightly focused episodes that explore both the competitive spirit and personal journeys of Team USA’s wheelchair basketball players. The series combines game footage, behind-the-scenes interviews, and personal reflections, weaving together narratives of coming out, resilience in the face of adversity, and the transformative power of sport.

The series is notable for addressing intersectional issues—such as the compounded challenges faced by athletes who are both LGBTQ and living with disabilities. By foregrounding these stories, “Ballin’ Out” challenges mainstream sports narratives and pushes for broader acceptance and understanding .

The Emmy win places “Ballin’ Out” alongside other award-winning programs that have elevated diverse voices in entertainment and sports. The award was presented to Outsports’ executive producers Jim Buzinski and Cyd Zeigler, along with producers Joel Chiodi, Michael Franklin, Eric Korsh, and Niq Lewis, and director Michiel Thomas .

Media coverage of the win has underscored the increasing demand for LGBTQ-centered sports programming. Advocacy organizations such as GLAAD and the Human Rights Campaign have praised the series for “setting a new standard for inclusion and excellence in sports media,” according to official statements released after the ceremony .

The victory is expected to encourage further investment in LGBTQ stories, particularly those that highlight athletes with disabilities, and to inspire other media outlets to prioritize authentic representation .

Athletes featured in “Ballin’ Out” expressed gratitude for the platform and the Emmy recognition, emphasizing the importance of visibility for LGBTQ athletes with disabilities. In post-award interviews, Team USA player Alex Johnson stated, “This series shows the world who we are—not just as athletes, but as people with dreams, struggles, and victories. Visibility matters. Winning this Emmy means our stories are being heard” .

Community leaders across the LGBTQ+ spectrum have responded positively, noting that “Ballin’ Out” provides much-needed representation and encourages broader conversations around access, inclusion, and equality in sports .

As “Ballin’ Out” secures its place in Emmy history, its impact reaches beyond the award itself. The series’ success is poised to inspire future projects that celebrate intersectional identities and challenge barriers in sports and media. Outsports has announced plans to continue producing content that amplifies marginalized voices, with a focus on fostering understanding and empowerment within the LGBTQ sports community .

Industry experts suggest that the Emmy win could pave the way for increased visibility of adaptive sports and LGBTQ athletes on mainstream platforms, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive media landscape .

Outsports’ “Ballin’ Out” has set a new benchmark for LGBTQ and adaptive sports storytelling, earning the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Short Form Program. Through its honest, affirming portrayal of Team USA Women’s Wheelchair Basketball players, the series exemplifies the power of inclusive media to shift narratives, inspire audiences, and celebrate the full spectrum of athletic achievement.