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 Bid
White’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.”
NEW: Former NBA player Royce White has officially declared for the WNBA draft, according to Fox News.
Former congressman and lawyer Matt Gaetz signed the declaration, which was sent to the WNBA League office.
“As of the signing of the attached declaration, Ms. White identifies… pic.twitter.com/3394Drvl1k
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 19, 2026
The development quickly generated reactions across social media.
“Yes, bring their house down,” an X user wrote.
Yes bring their house down
— Bill England (@ttwengland) August 19, 2026
“Matt Gaetz, as counsel, is the cherry on top,” another X user added.
Matt Gaetz, as counsel, is the cherry on top.
— SandyS (@SandyS121718) August 19, 2026
“Hahaha let the games begin,” a self-proclaimed pop connoisseur posted.
Hahaha let the games begin.
The games – pic.twitter.com/tRPUpiA4ZZ
— The Narrator  (@Fight_Club_Lad) August 19, 2026
“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.
Gonna be sooo Goood! Who would have thought a man, I mean a transgender person would save the wNBA??!! pic.twitter.com/oFqFfyY2r1
— Ben (@White_RhinoCap) August 19, 2026
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.
