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Royce White's WNBA draft bid receives support from Matt Gaetz and Charles Barkley

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 26, 2026, 11:05 AM

Last updated Aug 26, 2026

Royce White's WNBA draft bid receives support from Matt Gaetz and Charles Barkley

Summary

Matt Gaetz has expressed support for Royce White’s controversial bid for the WNBA Draft amid ongoing discussions about transgender eligibility in the league. NBA legend Charles Barkley criticized the WNBA leadership for not addressing the debate more decisively. White is attempting to exploit a loophole in the league’s collective bargaining agreement regarding the biological definition of 'woman.' Gaetz highlighted White's impact on mental health awareness in the NBA, suggesting that he could instigate significant changes in the WNBA as well. Barkley urged WNBA officials to clarify their stance on these eligibility issues to end the ongoing discussions.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Matt Gaetz backs Royce White's WNBA Draft bid amid ongoing controversy.
•Charles Barkley calls for clear WNBA policy on transgender athletes.
•White identifies as a 'Black trans lesbian' in his bid.
•Debate intensified following comments from Sophie Cunningham.
•White's prior work has influenced mental health policies in the NBA.

Latest Updates

11:05 AMYahoo Sports — ‘My Favorite Black Lesbian’ — Ex-U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz Hails Royce White’s Push To ‘Change the WNBA Forever’ As Charles Barkley Chimes In

What they're saying

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The ongoing debate surrounding transgender eligibility in the WNBA has now been touched upon by NBA legend Charles Barkley, with former U. S.
— Yahoo Sports

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