Charles Barkley Criticizes NBA and WNBA Leadership on Transgender Players

Former NBA star Charles Barkley expressed strong disapproval of NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert for not clearly stating that transgender players would not be allowed in the Women’s National Basketball Association.

On a recent episode of Michael Smerconish’s podcast, Barkley voiced his frustration with the ongoing debate surrounding transgender athletes in the WNBA, insisting, “Under NO circumstances do I think men should play against women. Zero!”

Barkley continued, stating, “I’m disappointed in Adam Silver and Cathy Engelbert. You can’t let ridiculous things circulate on the internet. They should have made a statement weeks ago. Now it feels like some people are just seeking attention. But [Enes Kanter Freedom] has a valid point; Cathy and Adam haven’t made it clear that it’s right there in the title—WNBA.”

He emphasized, “It’s right in the name: Women’s basketball!”

With conviction, he declared, “There’s no transgender people going to play in the WNBA. If you don’t like it, kick rocks. And we’re not going to discuss it anymore.”

Barkley further remarked, “And Enes is trying to get attention. No, we’re not doing that either. The WNBA is for women. This is the last time we’re going to talk about it. We’re not going to let it be determined by the fools on the internet or Congress. The WNBA is for women only. Period.”

It’s worth noting that Barkley is not against transgender individuals; he has been a vocal supporter of both the LGBTQ+ community and transgender rights. For instance, in May, he criticized societal homophobia, highlighting the challenges faced by gay athletes who wish to come out.

He also stood by transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney during the Bud Light controversy earlier this year. At a public event, Barkley expressed his feelings passionately, saying, “All you rednecks or assholes who don’t want to drink Bud Light — f–k y’all.”

“I got three cases of Bud Light,” he insisted. “If you’re gay, bless you. If you’re trans, bless you. If you have a problem with that, f–k you!”

As of now, the WNBA has yet to provide a clear stance regarding transgender athletes’ eligibility in the league. While they informed Enes Kanter and Royce White that they cannot participate in the WNBA Draft, the league has not clarified why their ineligibility exists or whether other transgender athletes might have a chance to play.