Charles Barkley says only biological women should play in the WNBA

Former NBA star Charles Barkley is calling on WNBA leadership to put an end to the controversy surrounding two former male basketball players who have claimed they should be eligible for the league and to make clear that only biological women that should play in the league.  

Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White, both former NBA players, have “declared” for the 2027 WNBA Draft. The league has said the two are not eligible, dismissing their declarations as a publicity stunt. The WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement, signed in March, states that “only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA," a loose definition.  Kanter and White have claimed they “identify” as women and therefore should be allowed to play in the league. 

Barkley, a longtime NBA analyst and Hall of Fame player, said the WNBA should make its position clear and stop allowing the issue to become an ongoing public spectacle. 

"Under no circumstances do I think men should play against women. I’m disappointed in [NBA commissioner] Adam Silver and Cathy [Engelbert] the [WNBA] commissioner,” Barkley said while appearing on CNN host Michael Smerconish’s podcast. “First of all, you can’t let stupid stuff go out to the internet, which is one of the worst things that ever happened to the world. They should have come out two weeks ago before all this. People are looking for attention now…but [Freedom] has a point though, because Cathy and Adam haven’t said, ‘Hey, it’s in the title, WNBA.'" 

Barkley said league officials should simply state that transgender athletes will not play in the WNBA. “‘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.' And Enes is trying to get attention,” Barkley said. “No, we’re not doing that either. The WNBA is for women. And listen, this is the last time we’re going to discuss it. We’re not going to turn it over to the fools on the internet. We’re not going to turn it over to Congress and things like that. The WNBA is for women only. Period.” 

Barkley also said the controversy has overshadowed the league itself. “When’s the last time you heard something positive about the WNBA? I can’t even remember. And I’m a WNBA fan,” Barkley said.