Former NBA player and men’s college basketball star, Royce White, has officially declared for the WNBA Draft. His declaration, signed on Monday, was sent to the WNBA League office. A copy of the declaration obtained by Fox News Digital shows it was signed by White’s legal counsel, former U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz.
In the notice, Gaetz wrote, “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.”
He further noted, “Ms. White affirms consistent with Article XIII, Section 1(b)(i) that she will be at least twenty-two years of age during the calendar year of the Draft and has no remaining intercollegiate eligibility. We ask for written confirmation of the League’s receipt of this notice within ten business days, and a written determination of Ms. White’s eligibility status.”
White stated in the notice, “As of signing this declaration, I identify as a transgender woman.” In a statement to Fox News Digital, White emphasized, “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.”
White’s declaration follows an announcement from former NBA star Enes Kanter Freedom, stating his intent to declare for the WNBA Draft. White made his announcement in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital on August 7. He expressed his identity as sometimes identifying as a woman for professional basketball purposes.
White remarked that the WNBA should make a clear statement regarding males playing in women’s sports. He insisted, “I’m declaring, and I don’t want to be discriminated against. I want fair treatment.” If the league does not allow him to play, White mentioned he would pursue legal action, stating, “I have to file a discrimination lawsuit.”
In his basketball career, White did not score a point in the NBA, playing a total of nine minutes in three games for the Sacramento Kings. However, he was a standout player in college for Iowa State, leading the team in various metrics and earning All-Big 12 First Team honors.
At the time of his announcement, White was running for U.S. Senate but lost his primary bid in Minnesota on August 11, behind former Michele Tafoya. Previously, he won the Republican nomination but lost the state’s Senate race to incumbent Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar.
White’s announcement, along with Freedom’s, has intensified the cultural debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports. Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham shared her stance on protecting women’s sports from biological males, leading to rallies in her support at games across the country.
Support rallies for Cunningham are scheduled, including one in Dallas before a Fever game and another in New York City. The debate continues to attract attention and public discourse.
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