Former NBA player and Minnesota Republican Senate candidate Royce White has declared for the 2027 WNBA Draft after identifying as a transgender woman. White announced his decision following similar comments from former NBA veteran Enes Kanter Freedom, who also declared his intention to enter the WNBA draft amid ongoing debates over transgender inclusion in women's sports.
White told Fox News Digital that he intends to play in the league next season alongside stars such as Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever and Sophie Cunningham. "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 said.
Describing his skills on the court, White said he would bring versatility to any roster. "I think I'd be unstoppable. But I'm a team-first guy. I'm a pass-first kind of player. I do the little things. I led my team in all five major stat categories at Iowa State University, so I do a little bit of everything," he said. "I'll do whatever the coach needs me to do. I'll do whatever the girls need me to do."
Royce White Declaration Details
White, a former first-round draft pick who played three games in the NBA for the Sacramento Kings, stated that only official league action could prevent him from entering the draft. He insisted that only the WNBA releasing "a definitive statement about guys with a pair of b**** playing in the Women’s Association" would stop his plans.
"I don’t want to be discriminated against," White said. "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."
The 35-year-old candidate vowed to wear a wig on the court, adding that WNBA players will have "nightmares... and they should" about facing him in competition. "I am 260 pounds, 6ft 8, can palm a men's basketball probably as easily as any player in history," White continued. "I think I had the third biggest hands in the history of the modern NBA Draft combine. I really feel like I'm going to be dominant."
When asked if he planned to use the women's locker room, White confirmed that he would. "Of course. I don't want to be discriminated against. Why wouldn't I use the women's locker room?" he said.
"I have great respect for the skill of women's basketball. They have to play a much more skilled game because they don't have some of the physical God-given abilities as the men," White said. "So I have great respect for the women's game but there is a significant difference between biological men and women and we've blurred that line, like we've blurred many other lines unnecessarily, and I plan to exploit that for my economic and athletic benefit."
WNBA Transgender Eligibility Controversy
White's statements come during an intensifying culture war across the WNBA. The debate gained momentum after Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham stated in an ESPN interview that she wants to "protect young girls" from "biological men" in sports.
Cunningham's remarks have generated strong reactions across professional basketball. Figures such as Riley Gaines and television host Stephen A. Smith supported Cunningham's stance, while critics have booed Cunningham during games.
Other league figures have expressed opposing views. Golden State Valkyries star Gabby Williams publicly welcomed the idea of competing alongside transgender players. "I think trans rights, right now, is our new battle," Williams said in a recent interview. "We see people's trans rights being stripped away from them; there's a lot of discourse around trans athletes and what they can compete in. I would welcome a trans athlete on my team or against my team, anytime. I don't think it's a problem in the world."
Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve also signaled support for transgender youth by wearing a "Trans Kids Belong" t-shirt on the sidelines during a Sunday game against the Indiana Fever.
Enes Kanter Freedom Social Media Announcement
Prior to White's comments, former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom announced his own intention to join the WNBA. Freedom, who stands 6 feet 10 inches tall, posted a video on social media on Friday afternoon declaring himself a WNBA draft prospect.
"After careful consideration and reviewing the current eligibility guidelines, I'm officially declaring myself a @WNBA prospect," Freedom said in the video. "If simply declaring who you are is all that’s required, then I meet every single requirement necessary to compete in the WNBA."
Freedom explained that his team reviewed the league's rules regarding self-identification. "My team and I have carefully examined the WNBA’s eligibility criteria and governing framework surrounding self-identification and inclusion. Based on the current guidelines, I can and am officially declaring my eligibility for the upcoming WNBA draft in April 2027," he said.
"I know my presence on the court will stir up strong opinions. I am definitely not here to mock, make fun of, or disrespect any community or personal choices," Freedom said. "I’m simply asking that the current rules be applied equally to everyone - the rules that represent the very values many WNBA players and coaches have publicly advocated for."
"My team and I are prepared to ensure these guidelines are applied equally, consistently, and without exception, and I look forward to the #WNBA honoring its stated principles. See you at training camp," Freedom added.
Reactions from Sports and Political Commentators
The 34-year-old Freedom was selected third overall in the 2011 NBA Draft. Over an 11-season NBA career, he played for the Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers, and Boston Celtics. Freedom has not played in a professional game since 2022.
Freedom's announcement quickly circulated online, drawing reactions from prominent political commentators. Riley Gaines praised the announcement on social media, writing: "Genius. Perfect. Waiting to see which WNBA team recruits".
Media personality Piers Morgan commented on X: "Brilliant… now let’s see how keen the @WNBA stars are for men to play in their League." Clay Travis also voiced support, posting: "Amazing. Well done." Travis recently made headlines after offering $10 million to WNBA champions the Las Vegas Aces if they could defeat a high school boys basketball team of his choosing.
