A little over a week after first saying he intended to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft, Royce White has now made his declaration official. The former NBA first-round pick did so with an unexpected figure in his corner, former U.S. congressman and lawyer Matt Gaetz.
In a notice sent to the WNBA, obtained by Fox, Gaetz stated that White “affirms her eligibility to be considered for selection on that basis,” setting off a fresh wave of reactions from the sports world.
Sports Community Reacts to Matt Gaetz Backing Royce White’s WNBA Draft BidWhite’s declaration came shortly after former NBA veteran Enes Kanter Freedom announced a similar intention to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft. Both have pointed to the WNBA’s 2026-2033 CBA and its lack of a specific definition of “women” as part of their argument for eligibility.
As no transgender woman has ever played in the WNBA, the league has never had to apply its eligibility rules to a case like this.
However, with Gaetz now backing White, the next move belongs to the WNBA. The lawyer asked the league to confirm receipt of the notice “within ten (10) business days of the above date, and a written determination of Ms. White’s eligibility status, including the basis for any determination.”
The development quickly generated reactions across social media.
“Yes, bring their house down,” an X user wrote.
“Matt Gaetz, as counsel, is the cherry on top,” another X user added.
“Hahaha let the games begin,” a self-proclaimed pop connoisseur posted.
“The same feminists outraged over this are the same ones who were cheering Liam Thomas and all the other men pretending to be women shattering women’s records the last decade. Suddenly, their well of tolerance drys up when it involves someone with political differences,” a sports observer noted.
“I don’t watch basketball. I’m 100% watching this. He must wear the wig,” a non-basketball supporter chimed in.
“Please let this happen. Please. Miss White had an off game last night. He only had 63 24 & 12,” an author wrote.
“Gonna be sooo Goood! Who would have thought a man, I mean a transgender person, would save the WNBA??!!” another X user tweeted.
White’s push to enter women’s basketball comes amid the broader debate surrounding Sophie Cunningham’s position that women’s sports should be exclusive to women. Several WNBA players and coaches have publicly taken a different view, arguing that inclusion should be central to the discussion surrounding transgender athletes.
The league reportedly held a meeting last week to discuss the draft intentions of White and Kanter but did not reach a definitive public position. That uncertainty appears to have encouraged White to move forward with a formal declaration, now backed by Gaetz.
SEE ALSO:‘So Violent’ — WNBA Fan Rages Against Sophie Cunningham’s Stance Against Trans-Athletes
White, who stands 6-foot-8 and weighs 260 pounds, has also threatened legal action if the WNBA allows him to enter the draft pool but he ultimately goes undrafted. He has promised a “huge legal battle about discrimination” under that scenario.
For now, White’s declaration puts the WNBA in a position it can no longer avoid. The league will have to clarify how its eligibility rules apply to his request, with any decision likely to have consequences well beyond the 2027 draft.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.
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