League: WNBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Transactions

Charles Barkley criticizes WNBA and NBA commissioners on transgender athlete policy

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 26, 2026, 5:32 PM

Last updated Aug 26, 2026

Charles Barkley criticizes WNBA and NBA commissioners on transgender athlete policy

Summary

Charles Barkley expressed disappointment in WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver over their handling of the transgender athlete debate during a Sirius XM radio show on August 24, 2026. Barkley stated that he supports the transgender community but believes that men should not compete against women in women's sports. He criticized the commissioners for not addressing the topic earlier and allowing it to escalate on social media. Barkley's remarks follow recent controversies surrounding comments made by WNBA players regarding transgender participation in the league, a discourse many feel has raised more questions than answers.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Barkley supports LGBTQ+ rights but opposes men in women's sports.
•He believes commissioners should have addressed the issue sooner.
•Barkley linked the debate to recent controversies involving WNBA players.
•No transgender athletes have played in the WNBA's history.

Latest Updates

5:32 PMYahoo Sports — Charles Barkley ‘Disappointed’ in WNBA and NBA Commissioners Over Handling of Transgender Athletes Debate

What they're saying

"
“I always support the gay community. I always support the transgender community,” Barkley said, before saying he believes “men should not play against women”
— Yahoo Sports

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