The WNBA's offseason just got a whole lot weirder. For the second time in less than a day, a former NBA first-round pick has announced intentions to enter the WNBA Draft. This time, it's Royce White, the Iowa State standout who played just three NBA games due to anxiety issues.
White, the 16th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, made the announcement on social media, claiming he identifies as a woman for the purpose of playing professional basketball. "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. He added, "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."
White's declaration comes hot on the heels of Enes Kanter's own eyebrow-raising announcement on Friday, where the former center claimed he meets all WNBA eligibility requirements through self-identification. Kanter wrote on X, "If simply declaring who you are is all that's required, then I meet every single requirement necessary to compete in the WNBA."
Both players are referencing the ongoing debate about transgender inclusion in women's sports, which was reignited last month when Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham spoke out about protecting young girls from competing against biological males. Her comments drew both support and criticism, with the WNBA players' union releasing a statement that said, "We embrace justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Hate, abuse, and demonization of any person or group of people, including transgender people, only fuel fear, division, and harm."
White, who averaged 13.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game during his college career at Iowa State, believes his skill set would translate well to the WNBA. "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," he said.
However, White acknowledged a potential stumbling block: "The only thing that will stop him is if the WNBA makes a 'definitive statement' that males can't play in the league," according to a report from Fox Sports' Jackson Thompson.
While the WNBA has yet to formally respond to these declarations, league rules currently do not address transgender participation explicitly. The WNBA's collective bargaining agreement and constitution grant the league broad authority over player eligibility, but no official policy has been announced.
This isn't the first time a male athlete has joked about joining a women's league—remember when Jake Paul claimed he could play in the NFL? But White and Kanter appear to be making a pointed political statement rather than a serious athletic pursuit.
Critics argue that such declarations trivialize the experiences of transgender athletes and undermine the integrity of women's sports. Supporters of the WNBA's inclusive stance point out that the league has historically been a leader in social justice causes.
As the debate rages on, one thing is certain: the WNBA will have to decide whether to update its eligibility criteria or risk becoming a spectacle. For now, fans can only wait and see if the league takes a definitive stance before the 2027 draft.
