In a recent pregame show on TNT, Charles Barkley stirred up controversy with his comments about women hating on WNBA rookie Caitlin Clark. The former basketball star called out women who he said acted petty towards Clark, who has been instrumental in securing charter planes for travel and boosting ratings and attendance for the league.

During the show, Barkley expressed his frustration, stating, "You women out there, y'all petty, man... Y'all should be thanking that girl [Clark] for getting y'all ass private charters. All the money and visibility she's bringing to the WNBA, don't be petty like dudes. Listen, what she's accomplished, give her her flowers."

However, the WNBA players did not hesitate to voice their disagreements with Barkley's comments on social media. Sparks forward Dearica Hamby, Liberty star Jonquel Jones, and former player Chiney Ogwumike, who now works as a broadcaster for ESPN, were among those who expressed their opposing views.

Hamby wrote on X, including a clip of Barkley, "Seriously.... wtf are you talking about...." Jones also chimed in, stating, "Interested to know who are all the women that are hating on CC? I'm seeing a lot of coverage about it but I don't see the hate? I'm also not a big comment reader so I might've missed it."

Mercury guard Natasha Cloud reposted a message on X that read: "I would just like men to say less. Talk with your wallets, go to games, buy jerseys, purchase a team, anything but this."

Ogwumike took to X to share her perspective, stating, "Charles and 'Inside the NBA' team are the GOATs of the industry, so respectfully I'll offer my perspective with love. Every WNBA player I know supports this rookie class and are grateful for the spotlight & money that Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and co. are bringing to the W!"

NBA champion Draymond Green, who was also part of the TNT pregame show, showed his support for Clark, stating, "They're gonna hate you even more," in reference to the women who Barkley claimed were hating on her.

Barkley did not mention any specific individuals in his rant, but he did mention LeBron James, who defended Clark in a recent episode of his podcast with JJ Redick called "Mind the Game." James empathized with Clark, sharing his own experiences with animosity and hatred during his NBA career.

James expressed his admiration for Clark's resilience and determination, especially as someone who had gone through a similar journey as a highly touted draft pick. He praised her for having a strong mindset and wished her success in her professional career.

Ogwumike also took the opportunity to highlight the progress being made in the WNBA, including charter flights, expansion teams, and more. It was announced that Toronto would become the WNBA's first team outside the United States, with an expansion team set to join the league in the 2026 season. This comes after the recent announcement of the Golden State Valkyries as the league's 14th franchise, set to begin playing in May 2025.

The debate sparked by Barkley's comments highlights the ongoing discussions surrounding equality and recognition for women's sports. While opinions differ, the voices of WNBA players continue to advocate for their league and its growth, appreciating the contributions of rookies like Caitlin Clark who bring attention and success to the sport they love.