LeBron said in 2009 he couldn't imagine women competing in the NBA within a decade: "I think that's pushing it" originally appeared on Basketball Network .
The idea of women breaking into the NBA feels more present than ever, but it's actually been around for years. For instance, all the way back in 2009, LeBron James — already at the heart of the league — was asked about it.
While the topic, then as now, was a controversial one, the basketball icon didn't duck the question. LeBron's answer was clear, respectful and honest to the core.
James' remarks came shortly after the late David Stern, then-NBA Commissioner, suggested a woman might play in the league within the next decade. Faced with that claim, LBJ, who was at the time starring for the Cleveland Cavaliers , took a more cautious view.
"Ten years?" he said , considering the idea. "That's, like, right around the corner. [In] 10 years, I'll be 34. I'll still be in the NBA. I think 10 years is pushing it, honestly."
King James, poised to enter a record-breaking 23rd NBA season and turning 41 later this year, made it clear his comments were in no way disrespectful.
"I love all sports," said the minority owner of Liverpool F.C., a historic English soccer club. "I love watching the girls, especially in the Olympics. They're wonderful in the WNBA. They're great players. But 10 years, that's pushing it. I think that's pushing it."
Bron's respect for the women's game goes beyond words. The Ohio native has been spotted at several WNBA games and, in 2017, called legends like Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird and Elena Delle Donne " great inspirations " — not only for himself but also for the next generation of female players.
One such standout definitely is Caitlin Clark, the reigning WNBA All-Star, Rookie of the Year, and assist leader, who received a special shoutout from James ahead of the 2025 campaign. On Instagram, the Los Angeles Lakers forward posted photos of them together, captioning it: " Good luck and DO YOU per usual this season!!! "
At the time, Stern and James weren't the only ones discussing the idea of a woman playing in the NBA within a decade. Then-Cavs forward Anthony Parker also weighed in, with his take carrying weight as his sister Candace was one of the best players in the women's game.
"First of all, I don't see why, other than to say a woman can do it," the former EuroLeague star remarked. "But for long term? No way."
He said this view applied even to his sister, a two-time WNBA MVP and 2016 Finals MVP.
At 6'4", Candace played power forward in the WNBA, but Anthony explained that in the NBA, that height is roughly equivalent to shooting guards — essentially saying she was too short to play her original position at the men's level.
Mark Cuban, then the majority owner of the Dallas Mavericks , also chimed in on the debate. Blunt as ever, he said that "whenever it happens, there will be a lot of DNA testing going on."
The former tech entrepreneur was likely referring to the controversy surrounding South African runner Caster Semenya, whose gender was publicly questioned after her world title.
Ironically, three years later, Cuban himself nearly made the idea of a woman playing in the NBA a reality. Ahead of the 2013 Draft, he reportedly considered selecting Brittney Griner from Baylor. Asked about the possibility, the Pennsylvania native responded that he'd " lean toward yes ."
In the end, it didn't happen. And more than a decade later, no woman has played professionally in the NBA.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
