Royce White, a former NBA player, announced plans to declare for the 2027 WNBA Draft, claiming to be transgender. This decision follows Enes Kanter Freedom’s similar announcement.
“I’m transgender. I’m a woman. I identify as sometimes identifying as a woman for the purpose of professional basketball,” White stated.
“I would be unstoppable but I’m a team-first player. I’m known for doing the little things. At Iowa State University, I led my team in all five major stat categories,” White added.
White also said the WNBA should clarify its stance on male participation in women’s sports. “The WNBA should make a clear statement about guys playing in the Women’s Association,” he remarked.
When asked if he would proceed despite the WNBA’s current position, White confirmed, “I’m declaring. I seek fair treatment as a transgender athlete.” He mentioned exploring legal action if not drafted, emphasizing a need for a “huge legal battle” on discrimination.
White is also in the running for the Minnesota Republican primary for the U.S. Senate. He recently lost a Senate election to Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar in 2024.
Enes Kanter Freedom has also reviewed the WNBA’s eligibility criteria, highlighting the league’s position on self-identification. Article XIII of the 2026 collective bargaining agreement states eligibility is reserved for women, without defining the term or specifying transgender inclusion.
The Women’s National Basketball Players Association released a statement supporting diversity and inclusion, refusing to define eligibility explicitly.
White expressed a preference to play for the Minnesota Lynx and their coach Cheryl Reeve. “It’s got to be the Minnesota Lynx. How can you pass up a 6-foot-8, 270-pound player?” White commented.
White’s background includes being selected 16th overall in the 2012 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets. He stood out at the 2012 NBA Draft Combine, with notable physical stats like 11.5-inch hand width.
He asserted that current WNBA players would “have nightmares” guarding him due to his size and skill.
On joining a WNBA team, White intends to use the women’s locker room, citing his desire for non-discrimination.
White also respects women’s basketball, highlighting his sister’s participation in college basketball and his experiences with Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman.
He acknowledged the significant differences between men’s and women’s sports, intending to exploit these for economic and athletic gain.
White hinted that the idea for his declaration came days before Freedom’s similar announcement, suggesting both might team up in the WNBA.
White’s public declaration does not automatically place him in the WNBA Draft pool. He seeks clarity on the criteria for eligibility under the WNBA’s CBA women’s-only provision.