League: WNBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Royce White announces plan to enter WNBA draft as transgender player

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 9, 2026, 7:17 PM

Last updated Aug 9, 2026

Royce White announces plan to enter WNBA draft as transgender player

Summary

Former NBA player Royce White announced his intention to declare for the WNBA draft, identifying as transgender. In a recent Fox News interview, he expressed a desire to play in the league and criticized potential barriers to his participation, claiming it would negatively impact the league’s image. White, who previously played for the Houston Rockets, stated that he believes his inclusion could boost fan interest and attendance. The WNBA responded with a statement indicating that they would not be used as 'political pawns' and are set to review their policies regarding transgender participation during a task force meeting next week. This announcement follows controversy involving Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham regarding men’s participation in women’s sports.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Royce White identifies as transgender and plans to enter the WNBA draft.
•White aims to increase fan interest and attendance in the WNBA.
•Criticism of the WNBA's current policies on defining female athletes is ongoing.
•The WNBA plans to review its approach to transgender issues soon.
•Sophie Cunningham's recent comments on gender participation sparked additional controversy.

Latest Updates

7:17 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Having a Blast in My Feminine Era’: Ex-NBA Player Dishes to Fox News About Plan to Enter WNBA Draft

What they're saying

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Former NBA player Royce White told Fox News he now identifies as transgender and plans on declaring for the WNBA draft so he can play with "my queens."
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Houston Rockets Indiana Fever WNBA Basketball