Royce White Declares for WNBA Draft as Transgender Woman

Former NBA player and men’s college basketball star Royce White has declared for the WNBA Draft. A copy of White’s draft declaration, obtained by Fox News Digital, was officially signed on Monday and submitted to the WNBA League office. This document was signed by White’s legal counsel, former U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz.

“As of the signing of the attached declaration, Ms. White identifies as a transgender woman. Consistent with Article XIII, Section 1(a) of the 2026–2033 Collective Bargaining Agreement between the WNBA and the WNBPA, Ms. White affirms her eligibility to be considered for selection on that basis,” Gaetz stated in the notice.

The notice continued, “Ms. White further affirms, consistent with Article XIII, Section 1(b)(i), that she will be at least twenty-two (22) years of age during the calendar year of the Draft and has no remaining intercollegiate eligibility. We respectfully request written confirmation of the League’s receipt of this notice within ten (10) business days of the date above, and a written determination of Ms. White’s eligibility status, including the basis for any determination, at the League’s earliest opportunity. We appreciate your attention to this matter and are available to discuss at your convenience.”

White remarked in the declaration, “As of signing this declaration, I identify as a transgender woman.”

In an exclusive statement to Fox News Digital, White explained, “FBA Trans Lesbians matter and we have a right to exist. We have a right to be included and follow our dreams. Thank you to all the Americans that are supporting me, it does not go unnoticed.” The WNBA has not yet responded to White’s declaration.

White announced his intention to declare for the WNBA Draft in an interview with Fox News Digital on August 7, following a similar announcement by former NBA star Enes Kanter Freedom. White stated, “I’m transgender. I’m a woman. I identify as sometimes identifying as a woman for the purpose of basketball, professional basketball, so I’ll be declaring for the WNBA draft in 2027 as well.”

White criticized the league’s position on male athletes in women’s sports. He said, “I think the WNBA could come out and make a definitive statement about guys with a pair of balls playing in the Women’s Association.” Despite seeking an official stance from the league, White confirmed, “Oh, no, I’m declaring. And I don’t want to be discriminated against. I want fair treatment. I’m a young Black, hopefully United States Senator that would like a fair chance to participate as a sometimes-identifying-as-a-transgender-woman athlete.”

White indicated he might pursue legal action if not drafted. “I have to file a discrimination lawsuit, right? I mean, that’s ridiculous,” he said. “We’re gonna have to have a huge legal battle about discrimination if I can’t play.”

White’s professional basketball record includes a brief NBA tenure where he played nine minutes across three games for the Sacramento Kings, without scoring a point. In college, he was a standout at Iowa State, where he led the team in multiple statistics and earned All-Big 12 First Team honors.

During his announcement, White was also a candidate for U.S. Senate, though he lost in the Minnesota primary on August 11, finishing behind Michele Tafoya. This followed his previous defeat in the 2024 general election against incumbent Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar.

The declarations from White and Freedom have intensified discussions on transgender athletes in women’s sports within the WNBA. Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham publicly advocated for the protection of women’s sports, sparking rallies and counterprotests aimed at supporting her stance.