Royce White’s Perspective on the WNBA and Gender Eligibility Debate

Royce White, a former NBA player, announced plans to declare for the 2027 WNBA Draft. During an interview on Fox News Channel’s Fox & Friends Weekend, White expressed concerns about the WNBA and broader cultural shifts in the U.S.

White believes the WNBA exemplifies a decline in American values, citing the lack of clear policies on gender eligibility as problematic. Despite the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement specifying that only women can play, terms like ‘woman’ and ‘gender identity’ are not defined. This ambiguity contrasts with the document’s detailed definitions for many other terms.

White expressed hope that his involvement might elevate the WNBA. He suggested that famous players, regardless of gender identity, could boost the game. He mentioned players like Enes Kanter Freedom and possibly LeBron James joining in the future.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert addressed the issue of transgender athletes in a letter to teams, acknowledging the topic’s complexity. She mentioned plans for further discussions and listening sessions with stakeholders.

White’s comments on the show included a statement about embracing a different identity, saying he sometimes identifies as a transgender woman and wishes to play in the WNBA.