Royce White, former NBA player and college basketball star, has declared for the WNBA Draft. According to a document obtained by Fox News Digital, White’s legal counsel, former U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz, signed off on White’s declaration.
Gaetz stated in the notice that White, identifying as a transgender woman, is eligible under the WNBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. White meets the age and eligibility criteria, with no remaining college eligibility.
“As of signing this declaration, I identify as a transgender woman,” White wrote.
White, in a statement to Fox News Digital, emphasized the importance of inclusion, saying, “FBA Trans Lesbians matter and we have a right to exist. We have a right to be included and follow our dreams.”
White announced the decision in an exclusive interview, coinciding with former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom’s declaration for the WNBA Draft.
White urges the WNBA to make a clear statement regarding transgender athletes in women’s basketball. He expressed a desire for fair treatment, noting, “I want fair treatment. I’m a young Black…United States Senator that would like a fair chance to participate.”
He indicated potential legal action if undrafted and unsigned, remarking, “I have to file a discrimination lawsuit…We’re gonna have to have a huge legal battle about discrimination if I can’t play.”
During his college career at Iowa State, White distinguished himself by leading in several categories, earning All-Big 12 First Team honors and the 16th overall NBA Draft pick.
White was also involved in a U.S. Senate race, finishing behind Michele Tafoya in Minnesota and losing to incumbent Senator Amy Klobuchar in the state’s general election.
The announcements by White and Freedom have intensified the discussion on transgender athletes in women’s sports. Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham, who supports protecting women’s sports, has inspired rallies at team games. These events have attracted counterprotests supporting transgender inclusion.
Jackson Thompson, a sports reporter for Fox News Digital, covers the political and cultural implications of events in sports, with his work referenced in federal Title IX actions and major media outlets.
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