Royce White, a former NBA player, announced his intention to declare for the 2027 WNBA Draft. In a recent appearance on Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend,” White voiced concerns about the WNBA and its stance on gender eligibility.

White expressed that the WNBA reflects broader societal issues. He voiced concerns about the lack of clarity in the league’s policies regarding gender eligibility amid ongoing discussions about transgender athletes.

“The WNBA is an example of us losing many things in this country,” White stated during the interview.

Current WNBA guidelines specify that only women can participate. The collective bargaining agreement lacks a definition for “woman” or mentions of “transgender” and “gender identity.” This omission stands in contrast to the numerous other definitions included in the 409-page document.

White believes that participation of well-known male athletes identifying as women could attract new audiences and increase ticket sales. He suggested the inclusion of prominent figures, like himself or Enes Kanter, could enhance the women’s game.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert responded to these discussions. She acknowledged the topic’s complexity and assured ongoing conversations with the Players Association.

“We recognize that this is a complex and nuanced topic,” Engelbert wrote. “We will continue important conversations in the weeks and months ahead.”

White’s interview also touched upon his personal experiences with gender identity perceptions. He humorously remarked on his own “feminine era,” indicating an evolving understanding of gender.

Fox News’ Dan Zaksheske and Ryan Gaydos contributed additional reporting.