Charles Barkley claims WNBA players dislike Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham

Former NBA player Charles Barkley told listeners of "The Michael Smerconish Program" that he believes a number of WNBA athletes are not fond of Indiana Fever guards Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham. He said the dislike is not solely about race, adding that "whether it’s race, sexuality, or whatever, there’s something going on there."

Barkley referred to a recent incident in which Chicago Sky forward DiJonai Carrington received a Flagrant-2 foul and was ejected after a hard hit on Cunningham during a fast-break layup on Aug. 8. Carrington later posted the phrase "WHITE PRIVILEGE" on social media, which Barkley said turned the on-court incident into a racial discussion.

Smerconish cited a peer-reviewed study indicating that hard fouls between Black and White players occur at expected rates, but Barkley disagreed, suggesting the social-media reaction amplified the issue. He also compared the situation to historic NBA rivalries, noting that respect existed between players like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.

Barkley expressed concern that the WNBA’s public image is being affected by controversies unrelated to basketball, despite recent league growth, higher player salaries under a new collective bargaining agreement, and the emergence of young talent.