As the WNBA faces a potential lockout, a warning from an NBA legend has resurfaced. Charles Barkley's advice, originally given months ago, now carries new weight for players negotiating their future. The Hall of Famer's message is simple: be careful.

Sports Illustrated reporter Rosalina Lee posted a clip of Barkley speaking on The Rich Eisen Show in October.

"They need to be very careful. They're walking on thin ice right now," number one, I wish those ladies luck, I want them to get paid as much as possible... I know they're doing some great things, but you can't overplay your hand." Barkley said on the Rich Eisen Show back in October.

After the latest WNBA proposal was rejected by the players’ union, speculation about a potential strike has intensified, with the 2026 WNBA season potentially facing delays as the March 10 deadline approaches.

However, Barkley has seen this before. Back in 1999, the NBA had a lockout. While players got increased salaries, the lockout meant that the league lost on the first few months of the season. Some players weren't in shape. Others felt the effects of the brutal schedule, sometimes even playing as much as three games in three nights.

"There's this notion that just because you got power, and talent, these billionaire owners just gonna give you everything you want. That's not gonna happen... You can overplay your hand."

Barkley's comments, made over four months ago, are still relevant with the latest news surrounding WNBPA's Executive Director, Terri Carmichael Jackson, pushing her players to hold on to their demands for the league to eventually come around.

At the moment, making it to the March 10th deadline seems difficult. And that will have reprecussions. The WNBA needs to hold the draft as well as the expansion draft if it wants to start the league by May. It will be an uphill battle.

And although the season is considerably shorter compared to the parallel Barkley drew, most WNBA players are coming off hectic off-season schedules. The likes of Paige Bueckers are busy with Unrivaled, playing over 50 games in the league. If they go on strike and are forced to play tough schedules, we might see an injury crisis.

For now, it looks like the negotiations will indeed go to a strike.

Breanna Stewart Confirms the WNBPA's Stance

WNBPA Vice President Breanna Stewart confirmed the union is prioritizing the best possible deal for players, regardless of how long it takes. While a strike is not the goal, it remains a possibility if the league fails to meet the union's requirements.

Stewart, along with Kelsey Plum, sent a three-page letter to the players' union executive director, Terri Carmichael Jackson, backing the negotiation team with a reminder of nearly calling a strike last December, with an almost unanimous vote for the same.

"In every CBA negotiation, the goal of the league and teams is to divide the players. These negotiations are no different. We remain united and focused on delivering a transformational CBA for all members of the Union, and are committed to negotiating for as long as it takes." The WNBPA executive committee stated in the letter.

With the March 10 deadline looming, both sides remain at a standstill.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar