Charles Barkley didn’t hold back when the WNBA’s investigation into alleged fan misconduct during the Indiana Fever’s season opener against the Chicago Sky was released. The investigation, which aimed to address claims of racial remarks aimed at Angel Reese, ended with no evidence supporting the accusations. But for Barkley, the entire saga became a distraction from something far bigger: Caitlin Clark’s undeniable influence on the WNBA.

Barkley, always known for his candidness, went off, criticizing not just the investigation but the players, like Reese, who he believes were fueling unnecessary drama instead of celebrating Clark’s meteoric rise in the league. “Some of these players need to stop being jealous and start being grateful for what Caitlin Clark is doing for this league,” Barkley stated, making it clear where his loyalties lay. His fiery reaction underscored his frustration that the WNBA was letting baseless accusations overshadow the progress the league was making thanks to Clark’s incredible impact.

For Barkley, the investigation was a distraction from what should have been a celebration of Clark’s historic triple-double and the Fever’s impressive victory. Instead of focusing on basketball, he argued, the league was focusing on negativity. His comments were fueled by frustration at the growing sense of jealousy among players who weren’t receiving the same level of attention as Clark. “Petty jealousy,” Barkley called it, adding that Clark’s rise should be seen as a win for everyone in the league, not a threat.

Barkley pointed to the skyrocketing numbers since Clark’s arrival. Draft viewership was up by 400%, and ticket sales soared by 93%. These kinds of numbers were compared to NBA legend Steph Curry’s impact on the sport, showing just how transformative Clark’s presence has been. “She’s a superstar doing what nobody else could,” Barkley said, making the case that her success should be celebrated, not resented.

But it’s not just about the numbers for Barkley. He called out players like Reese, who had struggled with consistency, for not embracing Clark’s role in elevating the league. “Instead of tearing her down, they should be saying ‘Thank you Caitlin Clark for showing up and getting the world to care about us,’” he said, highlighting the opportunity for growth that Clark has brought to the WNBA.

The investigation may have ended with no clear findings, but the damage to the WNBA’s image had already been done. Barkley, frustrated by the internal drama, made it clear that this wasn’t the time for players to bicker. “The league’s got enough problems without players turning on each other,” he said. Barkley’s comments have sparked a larger debate: Should the WNBA be united behind Clark’s success, or is internal rivalry pulling the league in the wrong direction?

Barkley’s message was clear: The WNBA needs to focus on its growing potential rather than getting bogged down by petty disputes. If they embrace Clark’s rise and the attention it brings, the possibilities for the league are limitless. The WNBA has a golden opportunity, but only if it can move beyond the drama and focus on what really matters—basketball.