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Charles Barkley urges clarity on transgender athlete policies in WNBA

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 26, 2026, 8:00 AM

Last updated Aug 26, 2026

Charles Barkley urges clarity on transgender athlete policies in WNBA

Summary

Charles Barkley expressed disappointment with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and WNBA President Cathy Engelbert regarding their handling of the transgender athlete debate within the WNBA. Barkley emphasized that the league should clearly state that it is for women and stop discussing the issue further. His comments follow a July interview with WNBA player Sophie Cunningham, which reignited the conversation around the competition eligibility of transgender athletes. The issue has gained significant attention recently as former NBA players Enes Kanter and Royce White announced their intention to participate in the WNBA.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Barkley calls for definitive statements from WNBA leadership.
•His comments come after Sophie Cunningham's statements on competition fairness.
•The debate has intensified with announcements from former NBA players Kanter and White.
•Barkley supports transgender rights while opposing biological males in women's sports.

Latest Updates

8:00 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Just say it’ – Charles Barkley’s advice to Adam Silver and Cathy Engelbert amid WNBA trans athlete debate

What they're saying

"
The WNBA has become one of the biggest talking points in American sports amid the ongoing debate around whether transgender athletes should be allowed to compete. The debate was sparked back in July when Sophie Cunningham did an interview with ESPN and spoke about protecting young girls from playing against biological males.
— Yahoo Sports

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