Former NBA player Royce White officially declares for WNBA Draft as 'transgender woman,' Matt Gaetz to serve as legal counsel

Former NBA player Royce White has officially declared for the WNBA Draft, with former Congressman Matt Gaetz serving as White’s legal counsel and signing off on the declaration. This comes as the WNBA has been in headlines in recent weeks over the inclusion of trans-identified males in women’s sports, sparked by Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham coming out in support of protecting women’s sports. 

The notice of draft declaration was signed on Monday and sent to the WNBA League office. A copy of the declaration drafted by Gaetz that was obtained by Fox News stated, “As of the signing of the attached declaration, Ms. White identifies as a transgender woman. Consistent with Article XIII, Section 1(a) of the 2026–2033 Collective Bargaining Agreement between the WNBA and the WNBPA, Ms. White affirms her eligibility to be considered for selection on that basis.”

"Ms. White further affirms, consistent with Article XIII, Section 1(b)(i), that she will be at least twenty-two (22) years of age during the calendar year of the Draft and has no remaining intercollegiate eligibility. We respectfully request written confirmation of the League's receipt of this notice within ten (10) business days of the date above, and a written determination of Ms. White's eligibility status, including the basis for any determination, at the League's earliest opportunity. We appreciate your attention to this matter and are available to discuss at your convenience."

“As of signing this declaration, I identify as a transgender woman,” White wrote in the notice. 

He told Fox News regarding the declaration, “FBA Trans Lesbians matter and we have a right to exist. We have a right to be included and follow our dreams. Thank you to all the Americans that are supporting me, it does not go unnoticed.”

White had announced earlier in August that he would be seeking entry into the WNBA, claiming he is in his “feminine era” and “sometimes identifying as a transgender woman.”

White told Fox & Friends at the time, “Right now I'm just having a blast in my feminine era. I never thought I was a woman. I've always trusted the science and I thought I was a man my entire life, but after further review, a strong look at my personal preferences, it would appear I am indeed sometimes identifying as a transgender woman.” 

“I think it’s only fair I get a chance to play with some of my queens here in the twilight of my career,” he added. Other former NBA players have vowed to join the WNBA, including Enes Kanter Freedom.

The topic of trans participation in the WNBA rose to the surface after Cunningham said in July, “I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn't have to go against biological men." Since then, the WNBA held an emergency task force meeting in which members walked away without a definition of what a woman is and vows to hold continuing talks, and supporters have flooded WNBA games bringing signs and wearing shirts in support of Cunningham.