Royce White Attends Indiana Fever Game in Support of WNBA Draft Pursuit

<p>Former NBA player Royce White attended the Indiana Fever’s game against the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on August 28, 2026, as part of his campaign for the WNBA Draft. White, who has declared for the upcoming draft, wore a long blonde wig during the event.</p><p>Inside the arena, White was seen interacting with fans, who welcomed him and took pictures with him. When asked about his presence at the game, White stated, "All hail Queen Roysha, the queen has arrived, it's great to be here... I'm here because Black trans lesbians matter, and we've always mattered, we've always existed... I'm here to participate and scout some of the competition maybe as well."</p><p>White's attendance follows the recent ejection of fellow former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom from a game, which has drawn significant media attention. When questioned about Freedom's incident, White said, "I'm just here to spectate. I'm just here to support the WNBA and support the Fever."</p><p>Regarding his expected reception from Fever fans, White remarked, "Who cares? It’s life, you get one life to live. You’re born, you breathe, you stop breathing, hopefully you give all glory to God … Who cares what the reaction is?"</p><p>Earlier this month, White announced his intention to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft. He formally declared for the draft through a letter sent to the WNBA league office by his attorney, former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz. In the letter, White identified as a transgender woman and claimed eligibility under the league’s new collective bargaining agreement.</p><p>The collective bargaining agreement states that "only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA," but does not provide a specific definition based on biological sex or gender identity. White aims to pressure the WNBA into clarifying whether biological males can compete in the league.</p><p>White has previously 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 as well." He has also indicated the possibility of pursuing a discrimination lawsuit if he is not permitted to compete.</p><p>Reports have emerged indicating that White and Freedom may not be eligible for the draft, with a league source describing their declarations as "publicity stunts." However, White’s legal team stated that they had not received a formal determination from the WNBA. Gaetz mentioned on social media that "the WNBA should preserve all records in anticipation of litigation."</p><p>White was selected by the Houston Rockets with the 16th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft after a successful college career at Iowa State, but he played only three games in the NBA, all with the Sacramento Kings in 2014.</p>