Royce White and Enes Kanter Freedom Target WNBA Draft Amid Controversy

Former NBA players Royce White and Enes Kanter Freedom have announced their intentions to enter the WNBA Draft, sparking discussions on eligibility and gender identity in sports. White appeared at the Indiana Fever’s game against the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, wearing a long blonde wig. Attendees, including several fans who took photos with him, greeted him warmly.

When interviewed, White referred to himself as “Queen Roysha,” emphasizing his support for the Black trans lesbian community. He expressed his aim to participate and potentially scout competition. This appearance followed Freedom’s removal from a game, a move that gained national attention, subsequently leading to his ban from future Chicago Sky games.

“I’m just here to spectate. I’m just here to support the WNBA and support the Fever,” White stated when asked about his intentions at the event.

White is continuing his campaign to enter the WNBA Draft, beginning in early September. He formally declared his intentions in a letter to the WNBA, through his attorney, former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz. The declaration stated White’s identification as a transgender woman, asserting eligibility as per the league’s new collective bargaining agreement. This agreement specifies that players must be women, but lacks a clear definition concerning biological sex or gender identity.

White has openly stated that his declaration aims to compel the WNBA to clarify whether biological males can compete. He has also indicated a willingness to pursue legal action if denied participation.

Reports indicate that both White and Freedom would not qualify for the draft, being characterized as “publicity stunts” by a league source. Nonetheless, White’s legal team maintains they have not received a definitive response from the WNBA. Gaetz has even suggested the preservation of WNBA records in anticipation of possible litigation, underscoring the potential legal ramifications.

White’s career commenced with the Houston Rockets, who selected him as the 16th pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, following his standout performance at Iowa State. His NBA experience was brief, with only three games played with the Sacramento Kings in 2014.

Jackson Thompson, a sports reporter, covers these developments for Fox News Digital, focusing on significant political and cultural issues within sports. His work has been referenced in major media and federal discussions regarding Title IX enforcement.