Former NBA player Royce White brought his WNBA Draft campaign directly to an arena Friday night, just days after Enes Kanter Freedom was thrown out of a game. Both White and Freedom have declared for the next WNBA Draft as males.
White attended the Indiana Fever’s game against the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse wearing a long blonde wig, as seen in photos and video obtained by OutKick.
The former first-round NBA pick could be seen inside the arena wearing the wig as the Fever prepared to take on Connecticut. He was greeted with a friendly welcome by fans, as multiple people stopped to shake his hand and take pictures with him.
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When asked by OutKick why he was there, White said, “All hail Queen Roysha, the queen has arrived, it’s great to be here… I’m here because Black trans lesbians matter, and we’ve always mattered, we’ve always existed… I’m here to participate and scout some of the competition maybe as well.”
Freedom’s ejection became a national storyline Sunday night and continued to draw attention after he was banned from future Sky games.
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When asked about Freedom’s incident and if fans might also see some “fireworks” with White in attendance on Friday, White responded, “I’m just here to spectate. I’m just here to support the WNBA and support the Fever.”
Asked what reception he expected from Fever fans Friday, White was unfazed:
“Who cares? It’s life, you get one life to live. You’re born, you breathe, you stop breathing, hopefully you give all glory to God … Who cares what the reaction is?”
His appearance continued the public campaign he launched earlier this month when he announced his intention to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft.
White previously previewed the look on social media.
White formally declared for the draft in a letter sent to the WNBA league office by his attorney, former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz. The declaration stated that White identified as a transgender woman and claimed eligibility under the league’s new collective bargaining agreement.
The CBA states that “only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA,” but it does not provide a more specific definition based on biological sex or gender identity.
White has made clear that his declaration is intended to pressure the WNBA into explicitly stating whether biological males can compete in the league.
“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,” White previously told OutKick.
White has also threatened to pursue a discrimination lawsuit if he is not allowed to compete.
Multiple outlets reported this week that White and fellow former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom would not be eligible for the draft. A league source characterized their declarations as “publicity stunts.” However, White’s legal team said it had not received a formal determination directly from the WNBA.
“The WNBA should preserve all records in anticipation of litigation,” Gaetz wrote on social media.
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White was selected by the Houston Rockets with the 16th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft after starring at Iowa State. He appeared in only three NBA games, all with the Sacramento Kings in 2014.