On August 7, former NBA player Royce White declared for the upcoming WNBA Draft after the debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports spiraled.
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“I identify as sometimes identifying as a woman for purposes of basketball, professional basketball, so I’ll be declaring for the WNBA Draft in 2027 as well,” he said during his announcement.
Until now, his declaration was largely seen as a clapback at those who support transgender athletes playing in the league. However, things have gotten real fast, as former congressman and lawyer Matt Gaetz has now signed White’s declaration and sent it to the WNBA league office.
“As of the signing of the attached declaration, Ms. White identifies as a transgender woman. Consistent with Article XIII, Section 1(a) of the 2026–2033 Collective Bargaining Agreement between the WNBA and the WNBPA, Ms. White affirms her eligibility to be considered for selection on that basis,” Gaetz wrote in the notice, as reported by Fox News and shared in an X post by Collin Rugg.
Gaetz also addressed the league’s age and college eligibility requirements, stating that White meets both conditions outlined in the CBA.
“Ms. White further affirms, consistent with Article XIII, Section 1(b)(i), that she will be at least twenty-two (22) years of age during the calendar year of the Draft and has no remaining intercollegiate eligibility. We respectfully request written confirmation of the League’s receipt of this notice within ten (10) business days of the date above, and a written determination of Ms. White’s eligibility status, including the basis for any determination, at the League’s earliest opportunity. We appreciate your attention to this matter and are available to discuss at your convenience.”
Royce White had a brief and unusual NBA career despite being selected 16th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2012 Draft. After appearing in the G League, he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers before eventually making his NBA debut with the Sacramento Kings. White played just three NBA games before he retired, eventually turning his attention to politics.
The declaration also included a statement from White. He wrote, “As of signing this declaration, I identify as a transgender woman.”
The WNBA does not currently have a publicly available policy outlining specific eligibility rules for transgender athletes. And while the 2026 CBA states that “only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA,” it does not clarify whether that refers to sex assigned at birth or gender identity. And that lack of clarity sits at the heart of Royce White’s declaration.
Although the league is yet to respond to White’s official declaration, a task force of team presidents and general managers met on August 12 to discuss the debate that has gripped the league since Sophie Cunningham’s comments went viral. The league has maintained that it will handle the issue carefully, stating:
“We will approach these important conversations thoughtfully and in alignment with the values of our league. There are no immediate eligibility matters affecting the WNBA, and we strongly denounce the bad-faith efforts to use these topics to demean or marginalize others.”
With Royce White’s declaration now officially in the WNBA’s hands, the league may have to fast-track its conversations around a topic that has left fans deeply polarized.