Charles Barkley discusses WNBA's political climate and transgender athlete issue
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 25, 2026, 3:00 PM
Last updated Aug 25, 2026
On August 25, Charles Barkley appeared on Michael Smerconish’s radio show to address the ongoing political controversies surrounding the WNBA, particularly following Enes Kanter Freedom's recent actions during a game between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky. Barkley expressed his view that men should not compete against women in the league, criticizing WNBA leadership for not firmly stating their stance on the inclusion of transgender athletes. He also pointed out that current distractions are overshadowing positive developments in the league, such as rookie Olivia Miles's performance. Barkley concluded his remarks by advising the league's commissioners, Adam Silver and Cathy Engelbert, to take a stronger position on the matter to maintain focus on the sport itself.
- •Barkley critiques WNBA's handling of transgender athlete discussions.
- •Comments made during an appearance on Michael Smerconish’s radio show.
- •He emphasizes the need for clarity from league leadership.
- •Barkley highlights positive aspects of the league, including Olivia Miles's rookie season.
- •The controversy has drawn attention away from basketball achievements.
- 12:00 PMYahoo Sports — 9-Year NBA Veteran Applauds Charles Barkley’s Unfiltered Opposition to Trans Athletes Competing in the WNBA
- 3:00 PMYahoo Sports — Charles Barkley weighs in on state of the WNBA and transgender athlete debate
"Charles Barkley has never been one to shy away from controversial topics, and his latest stance on the transgender athlete debate in the WNBA drew support from a former NBA player. After Enes Kanter’s ejection from Sunday’s Indiana Fever-Chicago Sky game, Barkley weighed in on the transgender athlete debate and called out the league’s leadership for failing to take necessary steps and instead sidestepping the issue.
"The WNBA has turned into a political football, and Enes Kanter Freedom’s stunt at Sunday’s game between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky seemed to make it clear that that fact would not be changing any time soon. Speaking as a guest on Michael Smerconish’s radio show, Charles Barkley weighed in on the conversation surrounding…
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 26, 2026, 12:00 PM9-Year NBA Veteran Applauds Charles Barkley’s Unfiltered Opposition to Trans Athletes Competing in the WNBA
Charles Barkley has never been one to shy away from controversial topics, and his latest stance on the transgender athlete debate in the WNBA drew support from a former NBA player. After Enes Kanter’s ejection from Sunday’s Indiana Fever-Chicago Sky game, Barkley weighed in on the transgender athlete debate and called out the league’s leadership for failing to take necessary steps and instead sidestepping the issue.
- Yahoo SportsAug 25, 2026, 3:00 PMCharles Barkley weighs in on state of the WNBA and transgender athlete debate
The WNBA has turned into a political football, and Enes Kanter Freedom’s stunt at Sunday’s game between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky seemed to make it clear that that fact would not be changing any time soon. Speaking as a guest on Michael Smerconish’s radio show, Charles Barkley weighed in on the conversation surrounding…
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