Royce White Declares for 2027 WNBA Draft Amid Ongoing Debate on Transgender Athletes

Former NBA player Royce White has declared for the 2027 WNBA Draft. White submitted his draft declaration to the WNBA League office on Monday, with the notice signed by his legal counsel, former U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz. In the declaration, White identifies as a transgender woman and affirms his eligibility based on the league's collective bargaining agreement. White stated, "As of signing this declaration, I identify as a transgender woman." He has expressed concerns about discrimination in women's sports and indicated he may pursue legal action if he is not drafted or signed by a team. White, who previously played for the Sacramento Kings, was a standout player at Iowa State University. His announcement follows a similar declaration by former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom, contributing to the ongoing cultural debate regarding transgender athletes in women's sports.