NBA Hall of Famer and sports commentator Charles Barkley recently expressed strong opinions on the participation of transgender athletes in the WNBA. During a discussion on CNN host Michael Smerconish’s podcast, Barkley stated that the WNBA is meant “for women only.” His comments centered around an incident involving former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom, who was removed from a WNBA game following a confrontation with Chicago Sky’s Natasha Cloud. This happened after Freedom wore a controversial T-shirt reading “WOMAN noun. adult human female.”

Barkley emphasized his respect for the transgender community but firmly stated that biological men should not compete against biological women in sports. He criticized WNBA and NBA leaders for their inaction on this issue, highlighting the need for a clear stance on the matter.

“I’m disappointed in [NBA commissioner] Adam Silver and Cathy [Engelbert], the [WNBA] commissioner,” Barkley said. “They should have addressed this issue earlier.”

He urged the WNBA commissioners to make an explicit decision, asserting that the league should exclude transgender athletes and the topic should not be debated further. Barkley also remarked that controversies like Freedom’s removal and backlash against Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham’s stance against biological males in women’s sports harm the league’s reputation.

Jennifer Sey, founder and CEO of XX-XY Athletics, supported Barkley’s statement, appreciating his forthrightness in a matter athletes are concerned about. Similarly, Payton McNabb, ambassador for Independent Women, urged the WNBA to clearly define its eligibility rules.

“Charles Barkley had no problem saying [WNBA is for women only] – why does the WNBA?” McNabb commented.

May Mailman, Director of Independent Women’s Law Center, questioned whether Barkley’s message would inspire others to speak up, noting the backlash faced by players like Sophie Cunningham who have expressed similar views. The league faced heightened scrutiny after Enes Kanter Freedom and former NBA player Royce White announced their intentions to join the WNBA, challenging the league’s policies.

While the WNBA’s rules state eligibility is limited to women, the term “woman” remains undefined, leaving room for ongoing debate and controversy.