Royce White’s WNBA Draft dream takes unexpected turn as former NBA star appears in blonde wig at Fever game Former NBA player Royce White attended the Indiana Fever’s game against the Connecticut Sun on Aug. 28 wearing a long blonde wig, days after reports said he was not eligible for the 2027 WNBA Draft. White, 35, has said he identifies as a transgender woman for basketball and wants to enter the league. His latest appearance came as his unusual WNBA bid continued to draw attention and debate over the league’s eligibility rules.
Royce White wears blonde wig at Fever game after WNBA Draft push
White was courtside at Gainbridge Fieldhouse as the Fever beat the Sun 111-91. He shared a picture from the game on social media while wearing the blonde wig and wrote, “The Kweeeen has arrived! They better bow for a beautiful Black Trans Lesbian! Royce White For President. WNBA #LetRoyshaPlay.”He also explained why he attended the game. Speaking to OutKick, White said, “First of all, Black trans lesbians matter.” He added that they have always existed and have a right to take part in sports.White also told OutKick that he was there to watch the game and “scout some of the competition.” He said he wanted to support the WNBA and the Fever.The appearance came only a few days after reports about his WNBA eligibility. According to The Associated Press, a person familiar with the decision said White and former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom were not eligible for the 2027 WNBA Draft. The source did not explain why they were considered ineligible, and the WNBA had not publicly addressed their eligibility at that point.White has not accepted that outcome quietly. He previously said he would consider legal action if he was not allowed to play.
Royce White and Enes Kanter Freedom challenge WNBA eligibility rules
White announced earlier this month that he planned to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft. He said, “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 argued that he could contribute on the court, pointing to his college career at Iowa State. White said he was a pass-first player who would do whatever his team needed.His attorney, former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz, has provided legal help in the effort. White said he could file a discrimination lawsuit if he was not allowed to play, calling such an outcome unfair.The WNBA controversy also involves Enes Kanter Freedom, who declared for the same draft. On Aug. 23, Freedom was removed from a Chicago Sky game after an argument with Natasha Cloud. He had been wearing a shirt that read, “WOMAN noun adult human female.” The Associated Press reported that Freedom and White were both considered ineligible for the draft.For now, White’s draft plan remains blocked by the reported eligibility decision. His courtside appearance shows that he intends to keep challenging that decision publicly, while the larger debate over who can play in the WNBA continues.