Former NBA player Royce White has announced his intention to declare for the 2027 WNBA Draft, asserting that the league's lack of clarity on its gender eligibility policy serves as a cultural indicator for the nation.
White, who appeared on "Fox & Friends Weekend," stated that the WNBA's current stance is emblematic of broader societal issues in the United States. "The WNBA is an example of a herald of us losing a lot of things in this country," White said. He also called for measures such as securing elections, initiating mass deportations, arresting individuals he described as "Deep Staters," and banning Sharia Law and Marxism nationwide.
The WNBA's collective bargaining agreement, specifically Article XIII, Section 1(a), states that "Only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA." However, according to reports, the 409-page document does not provide a definition for the term "woman" or "women." Furthermore, the terms "transgender" and "gender identity" are absent from the agreement, despite the inclusion of detailed definitions for numerous other terms.
White expressed his astonishment at the league's inability to define the "W" in WNBA, suggesting that a necessary conversation is underway regarding eligibility in sports leagues. He posited that his participation, along with that of others like former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom, could elevate the WNBA, increasing ticket sales, attendance, and live audience engagement.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert addressed concerns regarding transgender athlete participation in a letter to teams on Friday. Engelbert acknowledged that the topic has garnered significant attention and stated that the league office is actively engaged in conversations. She described the debate as "nuanced" and indicated plans for further discussions and listening sessions with team leaders and the Players Association.
White's announcement comes after Enes Kanter Freedom previously declared his intention to join the WNBA draft. White also made a statement about his personal identity, humorously noting he was "having a blast in my feminine era" and that after "further review" and considering his "personal preferences," he identifies as a transgender woman, seeking a chance to play with the league's current athletes.