“I think it’s only fair I get a chance to play with some of my queens here in the twilight of my career.”
Former NBA player Royce White sarcastically emphasized how he is in his “feminine area,” claiming he is “sometimes identifying as a transgender woman” while discussing his decision to seek entry into the WNBA.
White appeared on Fox & Friends after announcing he intends to declare for the 2027 WNBA draft, with his bid being a way to draw attention to the league’s policies regarding transgender athletes. White and former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom have both announced plans to pursue opportunities in the WNBA due to the league failing to clearly define eligibility for women’s competition based on biological sex.
“Right now I’m just having a blast in my feminine area,” White said. “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.
White told Fox News on Friday he would declare for the 2027 WNBA draft, saying, “I’m transgender. I’m a woman. I identify as sometimes identifying as a woman for purpose of basketball, professional basketball, so I’ll be declaring for the WNBA draft in 2027 as well.” He also suggested that he could pursue legal action if he is not drafted or signed by a team.
The issue of biological males competing in women’s sports has received increased attention within the WNBA following Indiana Fever Sophie Cunningham’s public criticism of allowing trans-identifying athletes to compete with their so-called gender identity. Cunningham subsequently faced backlash from protesters, including individuals within the WNBA.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Englebert recently issued a memo to the league’s teams addressing the recent attention. According to the memo, the league plans to “convene additional discussions and offer listening sessions for any team leaders who would like to participate.”