Royce White Announces Plans to Pursue WNBA Career

After a playing career that fell short of expectations despite his undeniable talent, Royce White appeared determined to make a name for himself in politics.

The former Iowa State standout, however, has now decided to follow in the footsteps of Enes Kanter Freedom after hearing the former NBA player’s recent comments.

“I’m now transgender. I’m going to pursue a career in the WNBA… I identify as a sometimes identifying trans woman. I wish to be treated fairly and don’t want to be discriminated against. This is a serious pursuit. I realize after 35 years, I’m actually a woman”.

Speaking to Fox News, White explained his reasoning:

“I think I’d be unstoppable. But I’m a team-first guy. I’m a pass-first kind of player. I do the little things. I led my team in all five major statistical categories at Iowa State University, so I do a little bit of everything. I’ll do whatever the coach needs me to do. I’ll do whatever the girls need me to do…

“I think the WNBA could come out and make a definitive statement about guys with a pair of ‘balls’ playing in the Women’s Basketball Association.”

Here is the WNBA’s response to Kanter Freedom.

Asked whether he would proceed if the league did not take a position on the matter, White replied:

“Oh, no, I’m declaring. And I don’t want to be discriminated against. I want fair treatment. I’m a young Black man, hopefully a United States senator, who would like a fair chance to participate as an athlete who sometimes identifies as a transgender woman.”

White, 35, is also running in Minnesota’s Republican primary on August 11 for a seat in the U.S. Senate. In 2024, he was the Republican nominee against Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar.

I’m now transgender. I’m going to pursue a career in the WNBA… I identify as a sometimes identifying trans woman. I wish to be treated fairly and don’t want to be discriminated against. This is a serious pursuit. I realize after 35 years, I’m actually a woman.

Royce White for… pic.twitter.com/Ze0Ap0V9s6

— Royce White 🇺🇸 (@Highway_30) August 4, 2026