Royce White, 35, a current Republican candidate for the US Senate in Minnesota, told Fox News Digital that he identifies as a transgender woman and wants to play alongside stars like Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) next season.

"I am transgender. I am a woman. I identify as a woman sometimes for basketball purposes, to pursue professional basketball, so I will also register for the WNBA Draft 2027," White stated.

Royce White (in white) playing for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Photo: AP

The WNBA Draft is the league's annual player selection event, where teams choose eligible players to join the league. College players, international players, or those meeting WNBA regulations can register to participate.

White, 35, was a first-round pick in the 2012 NBA Draft but played only three games for the Sacramento Kings. He led Iowa State in all major statistical categories during the 2011-2012 season, later playing in the National Basketball Association G League and Canada's National Basketball League (NBL), where he won a championship and an MVP title.

White believes his 2.03 meters height and 118 kilograms weight would give him a significant advantage in the WNBA. The former NBA player asserted that he is a team-first player, willing to do whatever a coach asks, and confident he could dominate opponents.

White stated that the only thing preventing him from entering the WNBA Draft would be if the league issued a clear rule prohibiting biological males from playing. "I don't want to be discriminated against. I want to be treated fairly," he said, adding that he would wear a wig during games and believes his presence could give WNBA players "nightmares." White also expressed his desire to leverage this physical difference for economic and athletic benefit if he were to play in the WNBA. When asked if he would use the women's locker room, the 35-year-old former player replied, "Of course. I don't want to be discriminated against." White stated he respects women's basketball but believes there are "significant biological differences" between males and females.

Sophie Cunningham prepares to shoot during the first half of a WNBA game between the Indiana Fever and the Dallas Wings in Dallas, Texas, US on 27/6/2025. Photo: AP

White's move comes as the WNBA is embroiled in controversy over transgender athletes participating in the league. The debate intensified after Sophie Cunningham, an Indiana Fever star, told ESPN she wanted to "protect girls from biological males" in sports. This statement immediately divided the American sports community. Figures like Riley Gaines and Stephen A. Smith appeared to support Cunningham, while others openly criticized her and booed her on the court.

The debate further intensified when Gabby Williams, a Golden State Valkyries player, stated she was ready to welcome a transgender player to the team. "I think transgender rights are our new battle. We are seeing transgender rights stripped away, while there are many debates about transgender athletes and the sports they are allowed to participate in," Williams said. Following Cunningham's statements, Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve also expressed her views by appearing courtside during a game against the Fever last weekend wearing a shirt that read "Trans Kids Belong."

Enes Kanter Freedom dribbles during the third quarter of a game between the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, Ohio, US on 15/11/2021. Photo: USA TODAY Sports

Before White, Enes Kanter Freedom also publicly announced his intention to enter the WNBA Draft via social media on 7/8. The former New York Knicks and Boston Celtics player said: "After careful consideration and review of current eligibility rules, I officially declare myself a WNBA candidate."

Kanter, 2.08 meters tall, argued that if self-identification is all that is required for eligibility, he meets all requirements to play in the WNBA. "With my team, I have carefully reviewed the WNBA's eligibility criteria and regulatory framework regarding self-identification and inclusion. Based on current guidelines, I can and officially declare myself eligible for the WNBA Draft taking place in 4/2027," Kanter stated. The 34-year-old former player understands his presence on the court could cause mixed reactions but asserts he does not intend to mock or disrespect any community or individual choice. "I am only asking that the current rules be applied equally to everyone," Freedom shared, adding that he and his team are ready to ensure these rules are applied "equally, consistently, and without exception."

Kanter was the third overall pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2011 NBA Draft. He subsequently played for the Utah Jazz, Thunder, Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers, and Celtics. Freedom has not played professionally since 2022. Kanter's post quickly went viral on social media, garnering support from several political and sports commentators. Riley Gaines commented: "Genius. Perfect. Waiting to see which WNBA team drafts him." Gaines, 26, competed for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) swimming team at the University of Kentucky before retiring and focusing on political activism, known for advocating against transgender athletes competing in women's sports. Meanwhile, renowned British broadcaster Piers Morgan wrote on X: "Brilliant, now let's see how excited WNBA stars are when men play in their league." Clay Travis, who recently offered to pay 10 million USD to the WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces if they could beat a high school boys' basketball team of his choice, also wrote: "Excellent. Well done."

By Hong Duy (via Daily Mail)