Two men in drag attend Las Vegas Aces game, citing 2027 WNBA draft eligibility

Two men appeared in dresses and makeup at the Las Vegas Aces' game against the Minnesota Lynx on Saturday, saying they were declaring themselves eligible for the 2027 WNBA draft. Their appearance sparked laughter from an arena attendant and added to a series of public stunts linked to the league's ongoing discussion about transgender athletes.

The incident comes as the WNBA faces scrutiny over its rule that only women may compete, a rule critics say is loosely defined. Former NBA players Enes Kanter and Royce White have previously claimed draft eligibility in the same context, and similar fan confrontations occurred at a recent Indiana Fever game, where security asked spectators to cover shirts with messages about transgender participation.

"The WNBA is aware of interactions at (Sunday) night’s game in Atlanta in which fans were asked by league security to cover their shirts. This should not have happened," the league said in a statement.

Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever, whose comments on transgender athletes have drawn widespread attention, said she has received negative feedback but maintains she never said she hates trans people. She added that she wants to protect young female athletes, stating, "I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men."