💛 A quick favor, if you've got a second.
We're really happy that you chose to read one of our stories and sincerely hope you'll stick around to read more. We took our paywall down — for now — but that won't last forever, and when the gate goes back up, we'd love for you to already be on the inside.
It's free. So please enter your email here and don't forget to like and follow us on all of your favorite Social Media platforms!
Royce White, a former first-round NBA draft pick, announced Friday that he intends to declare for the 2027 WNBA Draft, claiming transgender identity. The declaration came hours after Enes Kanter Freedom made a similar announcement, making White the second former NBA player to pursue entry into the women’s league. “I’m transgender. I’m a woman. I identify as sometimes identifying as a woman for purpose of basketball, professional basketball, so I’ll be declaring for the WNBA draft in 2027 as well,” White told Fox News Digital.
The 35-year-old White, a 16th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets, expressed confidence in his athletic abilities for women’s competition. Standing 6-foot-8 and weighing between 260 and 265 pounds, White said he would be dominant at the professional women’s level and characterized current WNBA players as potentially facing significant challenges defending against him. He also stated that current players “are going to have nightmares” matching up with his size and skill set.
White challenged the WNBA to clarify its eligibility standards, saying only a definitive league statement could deter his participation. He indicated willingness to pursue legal action if rejected by teams, stating: “I have to file a discrimination lawsuit, right? I mean, that’s ridiculous.” White is currently running as the Republican candidate in Minnesota’s Aug. 11 U.S. Senate primary election.
The WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement states that “only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA,” but the 409-page document does not define “women” or establish specific criteria for transgender eligibility. The Women’s National Basketball Players Association issued a statement Friday emphasizing its commitment to “justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion” while cautioning against using the league as “political pawns” in broader cultural debates.
White expressed a preference for joining the Minnesota Lynx, whose coach Cheryl Reeve recently wore a “trans kids belong” shirt during a game. White said if selected, he would use the women’s locker room, stating he would not accept what he characterized as discriminatory treatment. He also floated the possibility of teaming with Freedom, joking about winning multiple WNBA championships together.
In his Iowa State career, White led his team in all five major statistical categories—scoring, rebounding, assists, steals and blocks. He measured 6-foot-8 and 260.6 pounds at the 2012 NBA Draft Combine, where he recorded the largest hand width measured that year at 11.5 inches. White averaged 13.4 points, 9.3 rebounds and five assists during his college season.
More Stories
Former MLB Pitcher Weighs In on Mets Reliever Jefry Yan’s Elaborate Strikeout Celebrations
Memphis Grizzlies Player Brandon Clarke Dies From Accidental Heroin and Cocaine Overdose
Penguins’ Eight-Year Deal for Koivunen Ranks Among NHL’s Riskiest Contracts