Charles Barkley stirs the pot on trans women in the WNBA

The former NBA star's comments reveal ongoing tensions in sports and gender inclusion.

Told by Claire Lawson · 29 August 2026

Charles Barkley has stepped into the heated debate about trans women in the WNBA, making headlines with his strong opinion against their participation. Speaking with radio host Michael Smerconish, Barkley expressed, "I got nothing but love and respect for gay people and transgender people, but under no circumstances do I think men should play against women. Zero."

His comments come in defense of Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, who recently spoke out against trans women competing in women’s sports. Barkley took it further by criticizing NBA commissioner Adam Silver and WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert for their ambiguous positions on the issue.

Currently, there are no known trans women in the WNBA, although the league has seen one openly trans and nonbinary player, Layshia Clarendon, who retired in 2024. The controversy escalated when former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White claimed eligibility for the 2027 WNBA draft, pointing to the league's vague eligibility requirements. Critics argued that these actions detract from the real issues trans athletes face.

Barkley believes the league should decisively rule out transgender participation, suggesting the ongoing debate overshadows the WNBA's achievements. In contrast, advocates for trans athletes argue that excluding them won't resolve the significant challenges women and girls face in sports, such as funding disparities and discrimination.

As the WNBA's task force continues to explore this complex issue, Barkley's remarks add fuel to an already contentious fire, raising questions about the balance between inclusion and the integrity of women's sports.