(NewsNation) — A second former NBA first-round pick says he plans to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft, following a similar announcement from Enes Kanter Freedom.
Josie Fischels | NEWNSATION
Updated: Aug 10, 2026 / 09:41 AM CDT
Royce White, who is now a Republican candidate in Minnesota’s Aug. 11 Senate primary, told Fox News he’s transgender and identifies as a woman “sometimes … for purpose of basketball, professional basketball.”
White said he’d only reconsider if the WNBA issues a “definitive statement” on the issue.
“I think I’d be unstoppable,” White said. “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.”
Royce White’s WNBA take comes amid transgender inclusion debate
The WBNA is facing an ongoing debate over trans athletes in women’s sports, sparked by Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham’s comments to ESPN opposing their participation.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert sent a memo to teams Friday addressing ongoing discussions around trans athletes in women’s basketball.
“I know many of you have received questions in recent weeks regarding transgender athlete participation in women’s basketball, and I expect this topic will continue to receive significant attention,” Engelbert wrote in the memo obtained by The Associated Press. “I wanted to reach out to share how we are approaching these conversations at the league office and to thank those of you who have responded to questions from the media with thoughtfulness and professionalism.”
Kanter Freedom announced his own WNBA Draft plans in a video posted to X, saying he’s “not here to mock” anyone, but wants eligibility rules “applied equally.”
The WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement currently limits the league to women, and no trans or male player has played in it.
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