A second former NBA player has now declared themselves for the 2027 WNBA Draft.

Following on from Enes Kanter Freedom’s declaration on Friday night, former Sacremento Kings forward Royce White has also announced himself for the Draft.

White last played in the NBA in 2014 while Freedom played 35 games for the Boston Celtics in the 2021-22 season. There is currently a divide between current members and players in the WNBA, some all for the inclusion of transgender athletes and others not on board.

The debate was sparked by Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham, who argued in July that transgender women should not compete against biological women in women’s sport.

When making his declaration on Friday, Freedom pointed to the league’s own self-identification rules and what he described as a lack of a public definition for women as his grounds for entering the Draft.

Royce White Declares For 2027 WNBA Draft

White has now followed suit, telling Fox News Digital: “I’m transgender. I’m a woman. I identify as someone identifying as a woman for purpose of basketball, professional basketball, so I’ll be declaring for the WNBA draft in 2027.

“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 stat 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. It’s only fair.”

In response, the Women’s National Basketball Players Association hit back with a statement:

“The WNBPA represents 200+ individual people with different lived experiences, cultures, lifestyles and opinions. We embrace justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.

“Those are the values that unite this union and allow it to protect women’s sports while creating transformational change. Hate, abuse and demonization of any person or group of people, including transgender people, only fuel fear, division and harm. We will continue to have hard conversations. But we will not be used as political pawns.”

Will Freedom and White Actually Play in the WNBA?

Despite there being nothing in the current WNBA rules to prevent Freedom and White from declaring for the 2027 Draft, it should be pointed out that there is a big difference between a player making themselves available for selection and actually being drafted.

In the midst of all the controversy, Sophie Cunningham has sought to clarify her original comments. She told ESPN: “I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I’m like, ‘I never once said that’.”

With the 2027 WNBA Draft not due to take place until April, the debate over eligibility looks set to rumble on for some time to come.

In news that has the football world mourning, the father of Lionel Messi, Jorge, has died aged 68. He passed away on Friday night at a medical clinic in the ‌Argentine city of Rosario after a long illness.

As per Reuters, the Messi family said that Jorge spent his final months alternating between a medical ​centre in Rosario and his home, accompanied by ​his wife Celia and his children Rodrigo, Matias and ⁠Maria Sol. It’s also said that Lionel spent time with ​his father after the World Cup before returning to the US to resume the season with ​Inter Miami.

During the World Cup, Messi was notably emotional after scoring a hat-trick vs Algeria. He later explained that his tears were due to “something unrelated to football” after going through “a few difficult, ⁠complicated ​days.” His family then issued a ​statement, explaining Jorge’s ill health.

Messi has previously spoken about how important his father was as an influence on his career.

Newell’s Old Boys Share Statement Confirming Death of Jorge Messi

Argentina’s Lionel Messi via REUTERS/Lee Smith

Messi’s boyhood team Newell’s Old Boys were among the first to confirm the sad news. The club said in a statement: “Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys bids farewell with deep sorrow and grief to Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 in the city of Rosario.

“Recognized leproso fan, businessman, and father of the Argentine national team captain, Lionel Andrés Messi.

“Jorge was the pillar and the person who supported with vision, rigor, and affection the career of the greatest player of all time alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini. His constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership were essential in backing every step of Lionel, from his beginnings at Malvinas to the pinnacle of world football glory.

“Thank you for teaching him to love these colours. The Board of Directors, members, athletes, and the entire leprosa family embrace with affection Celia, Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol, and all their loved ones and close ones in this difficult moment.

“Farewell forever, leproso.”

Adding to this, in a post on social media, the governing body of South American football, CONMEBOL shared a statement, which read: “CONMEBOL deeply regrets the passing of Jorge Messi, father of Argentine footballer Lionel Messi.

“We accompany Lionel, his family, friends, and loved ones with respect and affection in this moment of profound grief. May he rest in peace.”

Messi Has Been Clear About His Father’s Influence

Jorge was key to Messi getting the famous hormone treatment he needed as a youngster. He also travelled and stayed in Spain with his son when Barcelona first approached the then-13-year-old.

Messi has often spoken about how important his father was in his life. As quoted by the Sun, he once recalled:

Separately, Messi also spoke to DirecTV Sports in 2022, via CP24, explaining how his father influenced his career, pushing him to reach a higher level: “My father helped me enormously. He is very critical of me. That made me always want to push myself further.”

Adding to this, Reuters quoted Messi as previously saying: “I always needed my ‌dad’s ⁠approval, ever since I was a kid. After every match, I’d ask him what he thought of how I played.”

Jorge was undoubtedly vital in helping form arguably the greatest footballer of all time.

Fenerbahce are in talks to sign Romelu Lukaku, GIVEMESPORT understands. The Belgian striker is open to a move to Turkey and is surplus to requirements at Napoli.

The Italian side are looking to sell for around €10m, and the price is not expected to prove a stumbling block.

Lukaku has only one-year left on his contract at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, and the 33-year-old has also drawn interest from MLS side Atlanta United, who have held talks with the player’s camp. MLS remains an option for Lukaku, who has also drawn interest from Saudi clubs over the past few weeks.

Fenerbahce Open Lukaku Talks

Lukaku joined Napoli from Chelsea in August 2024 and has scored 15 goals in 45 games. He got 14 goals in 2024/25 as Napoli won Serie A, but featured in only five league games last season due to injury. The back-end of last season saw Lukaku remain in Belgium ahead of the World Cup as he recovered from a hip flexor muscle issue.

The 33-year-old had a positive World Cup, scoring three goals and getting one assist as Belgium lost to eventual champions Spain in the quarter-final. That has helped attract fresh interest.

Napoli are looking to add Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus, but require outgoings first. Initial talks have taken place with Arsenal, and a transfer is possible in the region of €25m (£21.4m).

Arsenal Eyeing Attacking Reinforcements

via Reuters

Arsenal are still seeking another creative attacker, having missed out on Vinicius Junior, who extended at Real Madrid. Selling Jesus, who has been described as ‘incredible’,, is something the club are open to, even though manager Mikel Arteta still values the Brazilian striker.

Should fellow Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli depart, Arsenal could even add two new attackers. Julian Alvarez remains the dream target despite Atletico Madrid not wishing to sell, and the player hoping Barcelona make a fresh bid.

There is appreciation for Liverpool target Bradley Barcola, while Everton Illiman Ndiaye has also been discussed. Junior Kroupi was another player on Arsenal’s radar, but a metatarsal injury has sidelined him for 3-4 months. Bournemouth sources had insisted before the injury that there was no appetite to sell the French forward.

Statistics courtesy of WhoScored – correct as of 08/08/2026.