Royce White Plans to Enter 2027 WNBA Draft Claiming Transgender Identity

Former NBA player Royce White has announced plans to declare for the 2027 WNBA Draft, adopting a transgender identity. This makes him the second former NBA player to make such a claim, following Enes Kanter Freedom.

White stated, “I’m transgender. I’m a woman. I identify as sometimes identifying as a woman for the purpose of basketball, professional basketball, so I’ll be declaring for the WNBA draft in 2027.” He anticipates being a formidable player in the WNBA, emphasizing his team-oriented skills showcased during his time at Iowa State University.

White’s challenge to the league comes with a call for clarity on the eligibility of males in women’s sports. He asserts the need for fair treatment and, if undrafted, plans to pursue legal action citing discrimination. He remarked, “We’re gonna have a huge legal battle about discrimination if I can’t play.” Currently, White is also a candidate in Minnesota’s Republican primary for the U.S. Senate.

Enes Kanter Freedom had also declared intention to pursue a WNBA career, pointing out the league’s criteria and approach to inclusion. However, the WNBA’s current collective bargaining agreement specifies eligibility for players who are women without defining further.

The Women’s National Basketball Players Association has responded with a statement emphasizing justice and inclusion, denouncing any hateful rhetoric.

White expressed a preference to play for the Minnesota Lynx. The team’s head coach, Cheryl Reeve, has shown support for transgender rights. He highlighted his physical attributes as an advantage, saying, “How you gonna pass up on a 6-foot-8, 270-pound point forward?”

He has a deep respect for women’s basketball, underscoring his connections through family and professional experience. White intends to prioritize his economic and athletic opportunities by capitalizing on current eligibility discussions.

White and Freedom’s public declarations do not automatically place them in the draft pool or guarantee selection. The league has not clarified the specific criteria for inclusion beyond the current gender provision.

White is seeking detailed criteria for participation and challenges the league to defend their standards legally. He questions whether changes in appearance or physical attributes would meet their requirements.