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Charles Barkley Says He Feels Sorry for Sophie Cunningham

Updated 3 days ago, August 14, 2026

Charles Barkley has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham.

Sophie Cunningham in Indiana Fever uniform warming up on the court before a game against the Chicago Sky — Sophie Cunningham #8 goes through her pregame routine at United Center before the Indiana Fever faced the Chicago Sky on August 8, 2026. Photo by Michael Reaves / Getty Images.

During an appearance on The Andy Beshear Podcast, Barkley said he was frustrated that so much attention was being devoted to the controversy when, in his view, there are far more pressing problems facing Americans.

Charles Barkley at the 2024 Boys & Girls Clubs of America Gala in Atlanta, Georgia — At Coca-Cola Roxy in Atlanta, Charles Barkley appeared at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Gala on September 18, 2024. Photo by Derek White / Getty Images.

“I know the economy is not great, but if we let these cities run out of water, you got the fires in Spokane, you got the water situation in Puerto Rico,” Barkley said. “I’m like, ‘Let’s fix these things.’”

He then brought up Cunningham directly, saying he wasn’t interested in arguing over her position.

Sophie Cunningham #8 of the Indiana Fever looking on during a game against the New York Liberty at Gainbridge Fieldhouse — Sophie Cunningham #8 of the Indiana Fever during the first half against the New York Liberty at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on August 11, 2026. Photo by Justin Casterline / Getty Images.

“See, we got these fools. They’re sitting there arguing over Sophie Cunningham…I feel so bad for people today. You can’t say anything. I’m like, that shouldn’t even be controversial, that we should say a man [shouldn’t] play a sport against a woman.”

Barkley went on to make his own position clear: “I love gay people. I love transgender people. I’ve been outspoken for years on that subject.” But he added that he believes men should not compete against women in sports.

Previously, at the American Century Championship in Lake Tahoe in 2022, Barkley spoke directly to the crowd about his support for gay and transgender people, saying he would stand up for them if anyone gave them trouble.

Charles Barkley smiling courtside at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio during the 2026 NCAA Tournament First Four game — Charles Barkley flashes a smile courtside at UD Arena in Dayton before the NCAA Tournament’s First Four matchup between NC State and Texas on March 17, 2026. Photo by Dylan Buell / Getty Images.

Cunningham has similarly insisted that her opposition to transgender women competing in women’s sports isn’t rooted in hatred. In July, the Fever player said she wanted to “protect young girls” in sports and reiterated that she stood by what she said.

Her comments have made Cunningham one of the most polarizing players in the WNBA. She’s received significant support from conservatives while also facing criticism and protests from WNBA fans who believe she’s stoking anti-trans culture wars.

The WNBA, meanwhile, has said there are currently no transgender eligibility issues affecting the league and has condemned what it called “bad-faith” efforts to use the issue to demean or marginalize people. The league’s collective bargaining agreement says only women are eligible to play.

Sophie Cunningham #8 of the Indiana Fever celebrating on the court after a WNBA win over the Phoenix Mercury — Sophie Cunningham #8 pumps up after the Indiana Fever’s 92-89 victory over the Phoenix Mercury at Mortgage Matchup Center on July 9, 2026. Photo by Christian Petersen / Getty Images.

While Barkley insists he wants Americans to focus on more pressing issues, his comments fan the flames of the drama distracting everyone from the talented women in the league — and from political issues that deeply impact the average American’s everyday life.

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