Matt Gaetz Supports Royce White’s WNBA Draft Bid

Former U.S. House Representative from Florida, Matt Gaetz, now offers legal support to past NBA player Royce White in White’s pursuit of joining the WNBA. On Monday, White officially announced his candidacy for the 2027 WNBA Draft. This announcement was made through a letter from Gaetz and his law firm, Gaetz Law, to the WNBA’s league office.

Gaetz informed Fox News Digital, stating, “Gaetz Law is currently providing legal counsel to Royce White. Royce White transformed how the NBA perceives player mental health. Now, he inspires Black transgender lesbians aspiring to play in the WNBA.”

The draft declaration, authored by Gaetz, reveals White’s current identification as a transgender woman, affirming her eligibility for the WNBA according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Previously, President Donald Trump nominated Gaetz for Attorney General but Gaetz withdrew due to potential barriers in Senate confirmation. His nomination faced challenges from an ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation and former federal probes, which Gaetz repudiated as unsubstantiated and politically motivated.

Currently, Gaetz assists in White’s effort to enter the WNBA. White mentioned the potential for legal action if he remains undrafted and unsigned by a team. He expressed a willingness to contest discrimination legally, contending that the WNBA should clarify its stance on male participation in women’s sports.

In his WNBA announcement, White, who recently lost a U.S. Senate primary in Minnesota, proposed that the league could resolve the issue with a clear statement about gender participation policies. He emphasized the need for equal treatment, identifying sometimes as a transgender woman.

The WNBA’s gender eligibility rules have been debated recently as they don’t restrict competition to biologically female athletes. White previously lost to Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar in the 2024 general election.