Charles Barkley’s Remarks on WNBA Inclusivity

NBA legend Charles Barkley recently spoke out against the inclusion of transgender athletes in the WNBA, insisting that the league should remain exclusively for women. His comments come amid a broader debate about the eligibility of transgender athletes in women’s sports.

On the show Outnumbered, Emily Compagno discussed former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White, who were deemed ineligible for the WNBA draft. The narrative has also involved French transgender basketball player Julie Tetart, who has been a subject of controversy and debate.

Julie Tetart’s Performance and Eligibility

Julie Tetart, a transgender player from France, has attracted attention due to her performance in the basketball arena. With a record of averaging 20 points and 20 rebounds per game in the 2025-26 season, Tetart is the top player in the French second division. Despite her skills, the debate about her inclusion in the WNBA remains divisive.

“If they contact me, I won’t say no. But you have to be realistic: I’m old, and there are far better players than me!” Tetart expressed in an interview with OutKick in August.

While Tetart is renowned for her strength on the court, former teammates Sara Crudo and Martina Bestagno shared different views. They discussed Tetart’s prowess on the French podcast “Club Five,” and questioned whether her physical dominance would translate to the WNBA.

Opinions from Former Teammates

Bestagno, who has played against some of the leading players in women’s basketball, highlighted Tetart’s unique combination of size and strength. She remarked that Tetart’s power is unlike anything she had encountered, even when playing against prominent figures like Brittney Griner and Isabelle Yacoubou.

During the podcast, when asked if Tetart could dominate in the WNBA, Bestagno responded firmly, “No, not at all.” She emphasized that prowess in basketball involves more than sheer physical strength.

Crudo’s Perspective on Fairness

Ex-teammate Crudo expressed concerns over fairness in sports. She remarked that allowing Tetart to play could be unjust, taking opportunities away from other women. “Is it unfair to let Tetart play? Yeah, absolutely yes,” she stated.

Crudo added a personal perspective, reflecting on her own journey and the challenges faced. She spoke about dedication and hard work required to reach professional sports levels, expressing unease with a mid-career shift by athletes like Tetart possibly reshaping the competitive landscape.

Next Steps and Broader Implications

Tetart continues to play for Monaco as the top player in France’s second division. Advocacy for trans inclusion in sports and debates on fairness and competitive advantage persist, reflecting broader societal discussions about inclusivity and sportsmanship.