The discourse surrounding the involvement of trans athletes in the WNBA took another turn on Thursday after Gabby Williams pushed for their inclusion in the league. Her stance drew backlash, with Royce White joining Enes Kanter in pushing to be included in the WNBA after claiming to be trans.
The former Kings forward took to X (formerly Twitter) to offer his views on the subject, jokingly revealing his plans to declare for the 2027 WNBA Draft.
“As I stated a few days ago, I am declaring for the 2027 WNBA Draft,” White wrote. “I identify as a sometimes identifying transgender woman! My wig is in the mail.”
White’s remarks came after Kanter also joked about joining the WNBA as a trans athlete, with both former NBA players’ comments quickly gaining attention online.
“Here we go – the flood gates are open,” a fan wrote.
While most fans reacted to White “declaring” for the WNBA draft with humour, others weren’t so pleased and let their annoyance be known to the former NBA forward.
“When you surround yourself with numbskulls who laugh at your jokes,” a fan added.
White’s remarks were made in response to Williams’ comments about trans athletes. The Valkyries forward said Thursday that she would welcome trans players in the WNBA while advocating for their rights.
“There’s a lot of discourse around trans athletes and where they can compete in,” Williams said. “I would welcome a trans athlete on my team or against my team any time. I don’t think it’s a problem in the world; it’s just another way to kind of attack trans people.”
Her comments drew responses from Kanter and White, who joked that they could participate in the WNBA after claiming to be trans.
“See you at training camp”: Enes Kanter jokes about joining the WNBA as a trans athlete
Gabby Williams opened the floodgates with her comments on including trans athletes in the WNBA. The Valkyries forward drew several reactions, with Enes Kanter’s response quickly gaining attention online.
The former OKC Thunder player claimed he was eligible to play in the WNBA as a trans player while sharing a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“After careful consideration and reviewing the current eligibility guidelines, I’m officially declaring myself a @WNBA prospect,” Kanter wrote. “If simply declaring who you are is all that’s required, then I meet every single requirement necessary to compete in the WNBA.
“Based on the current guidelines, I can and am officially declaring my eligibility for the upcoming WNBA draft in April 2027 … See you at training camp.”
Kanter’s response was just one of many online as opinions remain divided over the inclusion of trans athletes in women’s sports.
Edited by Arian Kashyap