Royce White's WNBA transgender eligibility claim draws criticism
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 11, 2026, 4:51 AM
Last updated Aug 11, 2026
Royce White's recent declaration of identifying as a transgender woman to pursue a spot in the WNBA has ignited discussions around transgender participation in women's sports. This statement followed Sophie Cunningham's controversial remarks on the subject. Critics, including right-wing pundit Jason Whitlock, suggest White's actions appear disingenuous and little more than an attention-seeking stunt. White's past struggles, including a documented fear of flying during his NBA tenure, have also come into focus as he aims to leverage the league's inclusion policies. The WNBA has yet to formalize its stance on these matters.
- •Royce White aims to qualify for the WNBA draft as a transgender woman.
- •Sophie Cunningham's comments sparked wide discussions about women in sports.
- •Whitlock criticized White's actions as disingenuous after initial humor wore off.
- •White's history of anxiety about flying has been reexamined amid his claims.
- •The WNBA has not yet made a formal decision on transgender athlete participation.
- 4:51 AMYahoo Sports — ‘It Was Funny for 4 or 5 Hours’ — Right-Wing Pundit Slams Royce White for Taking Performative WNBA-Transgender Stunt ‘Too Far’
"Sophie Cunningham’s stance on transgender athletes participating in women’s sports has opened the proverbial can of worms. While the WNBA is yet to make a formal decision on the subject, it has already sparked a ton of conversation.
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