The WNBA may feature two former NBA first-round picks in the league next season.
The WNBA is currently at the center of a major debate around the potential inclusion of transgender athletes in the W. As expected, the majority is against that notion.
However, some players and coaches have openly supported the idea of trans athletes in the league. Keeping that in mind, former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom recently declared for the 2027 WNBA Draft.
While fans were still taking in the Kanter news, another former NBA player has announced his interest in the 2027 WNBA Draft.
Royce White declares for 2027 WNBA Draft
White made an exclusive appearance on Fox News to express his interest and desire to become a WNBA player.
“I’m transgender. I’m a woman. I identify as sometimes identifying as a woman for purpose of basketball, professional basketball, so I’ll be declaring for the WNBA draft in 2027 as well,” White said.
“I think I’d be unstoppable. But I’m a team-first guy. I’m a pass-first kind of player. I do the little things. I led my team in all five major stat categories at Iowa State University, so I do a little bit of everything.
“I’ll do whatever the coach needs me to do. I’ll do whatever the girls need me to do… I think it’s only fair,” White continued.
Although White featured in just three NBA games during his career, let’s not forget that he is 6’8″, 270lbs and was a top-15 pick during the 2012 draft.
Royce White threatens legal action unless WNBA makes a statement
White then directly challenged the WNBA and urged them to release a statement against his declaration.
“I think the WNBA could come out and make a definitive statement about guys with a pair of balls playing in the Women’s Association,” White added.
But what if the WNBA ignores his declaration without a definitive statement? The 35-year-old is ready to pursue a legal route.
“Oh, no, I’m declaring. And I don’t want to be discriminated against. I want fair treatment. I’m a young Black, hopefully United States Senator that would like a fair chance to participate as a sometimes-identifying-as-a-transgender-woman athlete,” he said.
White concluded, stating, “I have to file a discrimination lawsuit, right? I mean, that’s, that’s ridiculous,” he said. “We’re gonna have to have a huge legal battle about discrimination if I can’t play.”
With White and Kanter’s recent declarations, this puts the ball in the WNBA’s court, as the league needs to put out a clear set of rules before the situation gets out of hand.
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