Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley warned WNBA players as they appear to be full steam ahead for a labor dispute, while Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has come under scrutiny.

Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier amplified the pressure on Engelbert during her final media availability of the season with reporters. She called out what she described as the “lack of accountability from the league office” and alleged Engelbert made scathing comments about rising stars Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers.

Charles Barkley, the Hall of Fame NBA legend and TNT analyst, has been vocal in his criticism of the WNBA’s handling of Caitlin Clark’s entry into the league. He has accused certain players and media personalities of displaying “petty jealousy” towards Clark, who has brought significant attention to the league. Barkley believes that instead of embracing Clark’s popularity, some have tried to undermine her, which he views as detrimental to the league’s growth.

Amidst the WNBA’s ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations, Barkley has issued a stern warning to the league’s players. He cautioned them against overplaying their hand, suggesting that strikes may not intimidate billionaire owners. Barkley emphasized the importance of strategic negotiations, advising players to tread carefully to avoid jeopardizing the league’s progress.

The WNBA is currently at a crossroads, with the potential for a labor dispute looming. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is under scrutiny, particularly after a public incident during the 2025 WNBA Finals, where she faced boos and obscene gestures from fans. This backlash follows criticism from star players like Napheesa Collier, who have expressed dissatisfaction with the league’s leadership and handling of player concerns.

Team Collier forward Napheesa Collier (24) looks on before the 2025 WNBA All Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 19, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Trevor Ruszkowski/Imagn Images)

Collier’s leadership heading into what will be heated collective bargaining negotiations was lauded among her colleagues around the league. But Barkley suggested the players should be careful to not overplay their hand.

“They need to be very careful, they’re walking on thin ice right now,” he said on “The Rich Eisen Show.” “I know they’re doing some great things, but you can’t overplay your hand…as a league that had Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan and a hundred great players, I think we went on strike three times. So, this notion, just because you got power and talent these billionaire owners are just gonna give you everything you want, that’s not gonna happen.

“You can overplay your hand. In the NBA, we were like, ‘No, we’re not gonna strike. They need us.’ You know what I was doing? Sitting my Black a– at home, unemployed … playing damn tiddlywinks.”

Charles Barkley looks on before the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers play in Game Four of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 13, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Barkley added that players have to be a little more cautious when going up against billionaires and the power that they wield.

“No matter how many millions you got, you’re not a billionaire. So, you always have to be careful overplaying your hand. What you do is, you try to make the best deal possible in the moment and keep growing, but you have to be careful overplaying your hand.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed optimism that a deal between the players and the WNBA would get done, though he acknowledged the relationship between them and Engelbert would need to be repaired as well.

Paige Bueckers poses with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected with the number one overall pick to the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards. (Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)

“We will get a deal done with the players,” he said Monday. “Lots of work left to be done, but we’ll of course get a new collective bargaining agreement.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

The catalyst for much of the unrest is the WNBA’s new $2.2 billion television deal. Players are advocating for higher salaries, but the league’s proposals have reportedly fallen short of expectations, with the supermax salary remaining well below $1 million. This disparity has fueled discontent among players, leading to calls for more substantial changes in the upcoming CBA.

Barkley’s warning underscores the delicate balance the WNBA must maintain. While players seek fair compensation, they must also consider the league’s financial realities. Overextending demands without a sustainable financial model could risk the league’s stability. Barkley, drawing from his experience in the NBA, advises caution and strategic planning to ensure the league’s continued growth and success.

As the October 31 deadline for the CBA negotiations approaches, the WNBA finds itself at a pivotal moment. The decisions made in the coming weeks will shape the league’s future, determining whether it can capitalize on its recent growth or face setbacks that could hinder its progress. The involvement of influential figures like Barkley highlights the high stakes and the need for careful consideration in these negotiations.