Natasha Cloud still hasn't signed with a WNBA team, despite putting in a 2025 season that made her a big star with the New York Liberty and even endeared her to the city's new mayor, Zohran Mamdani. Fans and league watchers have come up with several theories about why Cloud hasn't been signed yet, and some focused on her political beliefs and statements she's made publicly.
The Liberty's GM Jonathan Kolb took media day as an opportunity to address rumors that the Liberty failed to sign Cloud due to some of those beliefs. Cloud has been outspoken about her support for the people of Palestine.
Kolb described Cloud as a "phenomenal teammate" and noted that "what she stands for is what I stand for." That includes "speaking up for the voiceless." Kolb later explained the team was unable to sign Cloud again due to other free agency plans and goals, and that the quick nature of this year's free agency (due to extended CBA negotiations, much of that process took place in the span of one week) meant they had to make decisions quickly.
The idea that Cloud's political and personal beliefs has impacted her role in the WNBA was also recently shot down by The IX Sports' Jackie Powell, who covers the Liberty for the outlet. Per Powell's own reporting, Cloud switched agents twice during free agency, and the issue may have been more about money than anything. The new CBA makes it possible for teams to pay up to $1.4 million to a player. Though it's not clear that Cloud expected that amount of money, she likely recognized her own value to the league and has been operating accordingly.
There are still a few teams who could sign Cloud, including the Seattle Storm and the Golden State Valkyries. Cloud hasn't stated exactly what her own preferred conditions are, but she did note recently that she hopes to be on a team this season. Last week she appeared to shoot down other rumors surrounding her 2026 season (including that she has switched teams too frequently) on Threads, where she wrote she's given her heart to each team she's played for.
Cloud also noted that receiving support from fans has buoyed her spirits, and that she believes in the process of finding a new team to play for. Cloud, who is known as a tough and focused compeititor, deserves a spot in the league — and hopefully one will be found.
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