Former U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz is representing former NBA player Royce White in White's pursuit of a spot in the 2027 WNBA Draft. Gaetz and his law firm, Gaetz Law, have formally submitted White's declaration to the WNBA league office.
White, who has publicly identified as a transgender woman, is asserting his eligibility for the WNBA Draft under the league's current collective bargaining agreement. The notice of declaration, penned by Gaetz, states that Ms. White identifies as a transgender woman and affirms her eligibility for consideration for selection, citing Article XIII, Section 1(a) of the 2026–2033 Collective Bargaining Agreement between the WNBA and the WNBPA.
Gaetz stated that White "changed how the NBA thinks about player mental health. Now Royce White is an inspirational voice for Black transexual lesbians everywhere who aspire to play in the WNBA." Gaetz has taken on White's legal case as the WNBA's gender eligibility policies face increased scrutiny.
Gaetz's involvement comes after his withdrawal from consideration for U.S. Attorney General following the November 2024 presidential election. His nomination faced significant opposition due to a lingering House Ethics Committee investigation and past federal probes into allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, which Gaetz has consistently denied.
White has indicated that he intends to pursue legal action if he is not selected in the draft or signed by a team, framing it as a potential discrimination lawsuit. "I think the WNBA could come out and make a definitive statement about guys with a pair of balls playing in the Women’s Association," White told Fox News Digital. He stated he wishes to be treated fairly and seeks "a fair chance to participate as a sometimes-identifying-as-a-transgender-woman athlete."
The WNBA's current policy on gender eligibility does not explicitly state that only biologically female athletes can compete. White, who recently lost his bid for a U.S. Senate seat in Minnesota, has made his WNBA aspirations a central part of his public platform.
