Royce White Attends WNBA Game in Costume Following Draft Ban

Royce White attended the Indiana Fever's game against the Connecticut Sun on August 28, 2026, wearing a long blonde wig while sitting courtside. The Fever won the game 111-91 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. On Instagram, White stated, "The Kweeeen has arrived! They better bow for a beautiful Black Trans Lesbian!" White, alongside Enes Kanter Freedom, has been advocating for transgender participation in women's sports. This appearance follows Kanter Freedom's previous courtside attendance at a Fever game in Chicago, where he was ejected after an altercation with Sky guard Natasha Cloud. Kanter Freedom has since been banned from attending Sky games. Both White and Kanter Freedom have expressed their intention to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft, identifying as women, which has elicited significant reactions from the basketball community, including current WNBA players. The WNBA has declared both individuals ineligible for the draft, with Front Office Sports reporting that their actions are perceived as publicity stunts. In a statement, the WNBA emphasized that there are no immediate eligibility issues affecting the league and condemned efforts to use these discussions to marginalize others. White was drafted 16th overall by the Houston Rockets in 2012 but played only three games in the NBA, all with the Sacramento Kings in 2014.