Former NBA player Royce White appears at Indiana Fever game in wig while pursuing WNBA draft eligibility
Royce White attended an Indiana Fever versus Connecticut Sun game in a blonde wig, reiterating his intention to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft as a transgender woman and urging the league to clarify eligibility rules.
Former NBA first-round pick Royce White was seen at the Indiana Fever’s home game against the Connecticut Sun wearing a long blonde wig. The appearance, captured by video and photographs, was part of White’s public campaign to be considered for the 2027 WNBA Draft after announcing his identification as a transgender woman.
When asked by a media outlet why he was at the arena, 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." He added that he was simply there to watch the game and support the league.
White submitted a formal declaration to the WNBA through his attorney, former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz, citing the league’s collective bargaining agreement, which permits only women to be eligible but does not define gender eligibility. He has indicated he may pursue legal action if the league does not allow his participation.
League officials have not yet issued a definitive ruling on White’s eligibility, and a source described the declarations by White and former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom as publicity stunts. The WNBA’s response is pending.