Another former NBA player has officially declared for the 2027 WNBA Draft. Former Houston Rockets power forward Royce White announced his intention to declare for the 2027 WNBA Draft hours after former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom declared for the 2027 WNBA Draft.
Royce, a 6-ft-8 Iowa State standout, was selected by the Houston Rockets in the first round of the 2012 NBA draft. He played in 3 NBA games before retiring due to mental health issues.
In an interview with Fox News on Friday, Royce said, “I’m transgender. I’m a woman, so I’ll be declaring for the WNBA draft in 2027 as well.”
He continued: “I identify as sometimes identifying as a woman for purposes of basketball – professional basketball. So I’ll be declaring for the WNBA in 2027 as well.”
“I think I’ll be unstoppable in the WNBA. I’m a team first guy, you know. I’m a pass first kind of player. I do the little things. I led my team in all five major stat categories at Iowa State University. So I do a little bit of everything. I do whatever the coach needs me to do.”
A second former NBA player plans to join the WNBA.
Royce White – a first-round NBA Draft pick in 2012 – told me he will be declaring for the 2027 WNBA Draft. The only thing that will stop him is if the WNBA makes a "definitive statement" that males can't play in the league. https://t.co/1TiWv2d8Kp pic.twitter.com/22SsSgoHTf
— Jackson Thompson (@JackThompsonFOX) August 8, 2026
6-ft-10 Enes played 11 seasons in the NBA. He was drafted by the Utah Jazz in 2008 and he last played for the Boston Celtics in 2022.
The WNBA’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement, ratified in March 2026, says only “women” can play in the WNBA. The CBA doesn’t clarify what a woman is.
“If simply declaring who you are is all that’s required, then I meet every single requirement necessary to compete in the WNBA,” Enes said. “My team and I have carefully examined the WNBA’s eligibility criteria and governing framework surrounding self-identification and inclusion. Based on the current guidelines, I can and am officially declaring my eligibility for the upcoming WNBA draft in April 2027.”
Enes continued: “I know my presence on the court will stir up strong opinions. I am definitely not here to mock, make fun of, or disrespect any community or personal choices.”
He added: “I’m simply asking that the current rules be applied equally to everyone — the rules that represent the very values many WNBA players and coaches have publicly advocated for… See you at training camp.”
Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve showed her support for trans rights by wearing a “Trans Kids Belong” T-shirt during Sunday’s win against the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Reeve spoke out after Fever star Sophie Cunningham (left) said she wanted to protect girls sports.
Golden State Valkyries star Gabby Williams said she would welcome a trans player on her team or an opposing team.
“I would welcome a trans athlete on my team or against my team, anytime,” Gabby said. “I don’t think it’s a problem in the world. It’s just another way to kind of attack trans people.”
Gabby cited former WNBA player Layshia Clarendon, who came out as nonbinary and transgender and underwent top surgery in 2021.
WNBA star Gabby Williams: “I would welcome a trans athlete on my team or against my team.”
pic.twitter.com/XYGxeWrIZo— Defiant L’s (@DefiantLs) August 7, 2026