Less than two weeks remain before the start of the 2026 WNBA season, and Natasha Cloud has yet to sign a contract. On Sunday, she made a rare public statement about her free agency status.
The 10-year WNBA veteran posted on Threads that she’s purposely kept quiet amid free agency, but says she continues to train and understands her “value/worth” in the league.
“I have yet to speak. That’s intentional & my power,” Cloud wrote. “I’ve just worked. I’ve just worked. No sulking, no whining. Work. & I will continue to work as I always have. Proving myself right year, after year, after year. (11) to be exact. I know who I am. I know my value/worth. & ain’t nothing traditional.”
Cloud, 34, is the most accomplished active player who has yet to secure a contract. She spent her first eight seasons with the Washington Mystics, winning a title in 2019, before moving to Phoenix in 2024. Last season, the three-time All-Defensive Team member was the starting point guard for the championship-contending New York Liberty.
As she has remained unsigned, some social media users have speculated that the WNBA has blackballed Cloud because she is known as one of the league’s most politically active players. The speculation was fueled, in part, by Cloud’s first statement alluding to her free agency last Sunday, days after the Liberty announced the signing of several players, including new acquisition Satou Sabally, who signed a two-year, $1.67 million deal.
“I’ve given my heart to every team and community I’ve been part of, never fully knowing if the impact I hoped for was truly felt,” Cloud wrote. “In this moment, though, receiving so much love, support, and advocacy means everything. It’s a powerful reminder that the impact I’ve wanted to make beyond the court is real—and aligned with what I believe God has called me to do through this game.
“I’m okay. Just taking things in; even if they weren’t what I expected, & trusting I’ll be alright.”
Liberty GM Jonathan Kolb told reporters Sunday that Cloud belongs in the WNBA. It was clear from his statement, however, that her future won’t be in New York.
“I think there’s a lot out there right now that I’d just like to dispel,” Kolb said. “She’s a phenomenal teammate. She’s an awesome human being. She’s a phenomenal basketball player … What really happened here for us really wasn’t about fit. It’s about our targets in free agency and the condensed nature of free agency and how quickly things really moved.”
Following Kolb’s press conference, The Athletic reported that Cloud is not being blackballed by the league and that she’s expected to be signed by a WNBA team this season.
It’s unclear what Cloud’s asking price is in the open market. But some teams that may have the space to pay her significantly more than the league minimum are:
- Golden State Valkyries ($1.41 million cap space, 10 players signed)
- Washington Mystics ($3.22 million cap space, 6 players signed)
- Connecticut Sun ($2.23 million cap space, 8 players signed)
- Portland Fire ($2.74 million cap space, 9 players signed)
The chaotic WNBA offseason, which began with more than 100 free agents and the implementation of a new CBA, has created confusion in the free-agent market. Several stars have taken pay cuts, including the aforementioned Sabally and former MVP Nneka Ogwumike, who signed a one-year, $950,000 deal with the Los Angeles Sparks.
But some role players or borderline All-Stars have received seven-figure deals, including Dallas Wings center Jessica Sheppard ($1 million) and Chicago Sky center Azurá Stevens.
