Former NBA first-round pick Royce White has officially declared for the 2027 WNBA Draft, with the filing submitted on Monday and signed by his legal counsel, former U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz. The declaration states, "As of the signing of the attached declaration, Ms. White identifies as a transgender woman." White has stated that he wishes to participate as a "sometimes-identifying-as-a-transgender-woman athlete" and has indicated he would pursue legal action if not treated fairly or if he goes undrafted.
White's announcement follows a similar declaration made by former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom, who also stated his intention to enter the WNBA Draft. White has challenged the WNBA to issue a clear statement on the participation of transgender athletes in women's sports, specifically addressing "guys with a pair of balls playing in the Women’s Association."
According to the declaration filed by Gaetz, White affirms his eligibility based on Article XIII, Section 1(a) of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the WNBA and the WNBPA, which addresses transgender player inclusion. White also meets the age requirement of being at least 22 years old during the draft calendar year and has no remaining intercollegiate eligibility, as per Article XIII, Section 1(b)(i).
White, who played nine minutes over three games for the Sacramento Kings in the NBA, was a notable college player for Iowa State. In his 2011-12 season, he led the Cyclones in multiple statistical categories and earned All-Big 12 First Team honors. He was selected 16th overall in the 2012 NBA Draft.
White has recently been involved in political pursuits, having lost a primary bid for a U.S. Senate seat in Minnesota on August 11, following an earlier general election defeat in 2024. His declarations for the WNBA Draft have amplified the ongoing debate surrounding transgender athletes in women's sports, a discussion that has seen public commentary from current WNBA players and organized rallies both for and against athlete inclusion.