Former NBA Player Royce White Draws Crowd at Indiana Fever Game, Overshadowing Simone Biles Appearance

Royce White, a former NBA player who recently declared for the 2027 WNBA Draft, arrived unannounced at Friday night’s Indiana Fever game and quickly became the focal point of fan attention. White’s unexpected presence overshadowed what was anticipated to be a night centered on gymnast Simone Biles, who was also in attendance at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. According to White’s account to OutKick, he did not notify the Fever organization in advance, nor was his ticket purchased under his own name.

White encountered a welcoming reception from Indiana fans, who approached him throughout the evening to shake his hand, engage in conversation, and take photographs. The contrast between White’s experience and that of Enes Kanter Freedom at a recent Chicago Sky game proved stark. Freedom was heckled upon entering the arena last Sunday and was subsequently ejected during the third quarter, following an incident that the Sky organization had anticipated, having been informed hours beforehand of his attendance.

White reflected on the differing treatment he received compared to Freedom’s experience in Chicago, attributing the distinction to regional differences. “It’s just so crazy the difference of response here in Indiana versus Chicago. But one city is run by people who have common sense and the other one isn’t,” White told OutKick. Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita and activist Riley Gaines also attended the game and were among those who engaged with White during the event.

Gaines, making her second WNBA game appearance, similarly praised the Indiana crowd’s reception. She previously attended a Fever matchup against the Minnesota Lynx in Minneapolis earlier this month, where she was booed by fans. White’s unannounced appearance and subsequent popularity appeared to dominate social media discourse, eclipsing discussion of both Biles and Gaines despite their presence at the venue.