Former NBA player and Republican Senate hopeful Royce White announced on Friday that he plans to declare for the 2027 WNBA Draft, asserting that he now identifies as transgender.
"I'm transgender. I identify as sometimes identifying as a woman for purposes of professional basketball," White, 35, told Fox News. He added, "I think I'd be unstoppable, but I'm a team first guy. I'll do whatever the girls need me to do."
White's announcement comes shortly after former NBA player Enes Freedom declared his intention to test the WNBA's policies regarding transgender athletes.
White was drafted 16th overall out of Iowa State University in the 2012 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets. His NBA career was brief, playing only three games. He did not suit up for the Rockets due to a generalized anxiety disorder, which was exacerbated by a severe fear of flying.