Former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz is offering legal advice to ex-NBA player Royce White, who is aiming to enter the WNBA. White officially announced his intention for the 2027 WNBA Draft on Monday via a letter sent by Gaetz and his firm, Gaetz Law, to the WNBA’s office.
“Gaetz Law is providing legal counsel to Royce White. White transformed how the NBA perceives player mental health. He now inspires Black transgender lesbians aspiring to join the WNBA,” Gaetz informed Fox News Digital.
White’s draft declaration, authored by Gaetz, states: “As of the signing of the attached declaration, Ms. White identifies as a transgender woman. Per Article XIII, Section 1(a) of the 2026–2033 CBA between the WNBA and WNBPA, Ms. White confirms her eligibility for selection on that basis.”
Initially, President Donald Trump selected Gaetz to be his Attorney General after the 2024 election, prompting Gaetz to leave Congress. Nevertheless, Gaetz retracted his nomination on November 21, 2024, facing bipartisan criticism and controversy questioning his potential for Senate confirmation.
His appointment encountered obstacles due to an ongoing House Ethics Committee inquiry and past federal investigations. Allegations of misconduct and drug use loomed, though Gaetz denied these as false and partisan, noting there were no charges or lawsuits.
Gaetz is now aiding White’s pursuit of a WNBA career. White conveyed to Fox News Digital his intention to sue for discrimination should he remain undrafted and unsigned. “I must file a discrimination lawsuit, right? This is absurd,” White commented. “Legal battles are inevitable if I cannot play.”
White mentioned only the WNBA could halt his challenge by clarifying rules for males in women’s sports. “The WNBA should state its stance on males in the Women’s Association,” he added. Declaring his intent, White stressed, “I want fair treatment. I’m an aspiring young Black U.S. Senator seeking inclusion as a sometimes-transgender woman athlete.”
Recent scrutiny has surrounded the WNBA’s gender criteria, which lacks a strict clause for biologically female athletes only. White, while running for the U.S. Senate, lost his Minnesota primary on August 11, following a previous 2024 general election setback against Amy Klobuchar.
Jackson Thompson, a sports reporter for Fox News Digital, covers political and cultural issues in sports with an investigative approach. His work has been cited in Title IX enforcement actions and by major media outlets.