As the situation regarding the CBA gets foggier every passing second, and a moratorium is imposed, there is apparent confusion surrounding the future of the WNBA. There is a brooding sentiment of uncertainty that is lingering on everyone’s mind as to what this ultimately means for the WNBA. However, while every player is waiting upon a final decision with bated breath, there’s one certain player who is not exactly perturbed about the whole affair – Natasha Cloud.
The New York Liberty and Phantom player is keeping her cool, knowing that there is a backup plan aligned.
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“I feel like I can’t say that there is or there isn’t [a backup plan] cause’ I’m not 100% sure, but I know Unrivaled is prepared in so many different instances, and the biggest one being that we own the space that we play in. So if we wanted to stay here as the players of Unrivaled with equity in this league and with space, financial money, all that stuff, we could stay here, train, play, put on another season if need be. So that’s a beautiful thing, and that’s why I’m so appreciative to be a part of a league like Unrivaled,” said Natasha Cloud, giving her perspective as she spoke on the ‘Be Great Academy Podcast’.
She also pointed to emerging leagues like Project B and expressed how happy she is about it, as it sends a message, “W, you have to move because there are challengers to you.”
Well, that may be true. The idea that you have a secondary option to fall back upon certainly is quite reassuring, but that again will jeopardize the careers of the players who are not with Unrivaled. So what would they do in circumstances like this? It will come at a huge cost. Not only will the players lose access to franchise facilities, top medical professionals, trainers, and physiotherapists, but they will also find themselves unable to develop and sharpen their skills.
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The result would adversely impact long-term careers. That is especially applicable to injured players who will have their rehabilitation process altered. It also increases injury risk when the players eventually return to court.
So, naturally, this reaction of Natasha Cloud didn’t sit well with the majority of WNBA fans, who felt she was going against her tribe by sharing this viewpoint. While most of her colleagues are fighting for better pay for everyone involved, she is already settled with the idea of finding a new home with Unrivaled, which got her a lot of heat on social media.
Fans Come Down Hard on Natasha Cloud After Unrivaled Comment
The fans were not ready to allow Natasha Cloud walk away scot-free after her comments. Many struggled to digest how casually she addressed the situation, especially when it appeared her comfort stemmed from having a safety net in Unrivaled.
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“Imagine being 1 of the 200+ WNBA players and prospects that aren’t involved in Unrivaled, hearing a colleague on a podcast pretty much imply that it’s fine if the WNBA shuts down because they can just stay in Unrivaled,” said one of the commenters on the ‘alleged treason’ Cloud was doing to her community.
The user felt Cloud was being inconsiderate towards her peers. Yes, she, along with the other fifty-four Unrivaled players, will get to avail all of that, but what about the rest? “So, only the players privileged enough to play in unrivaled would be safe from the economic harm a lockout would do? Do the major players care about the bottom line of their league at all?” asked another commenter, which definitely asks a very deep-rooted question about the ethics and morale a player needs to uphold, most importantly, unity and understanding within the fraternity.
Unity has long been the WNBPA’s strongest shield, and it’s what fans rally behind. From veterans to rookies, players across generations have stood together in this fight. So, while Cloud may have been highlighting how multiple leagues can expand opportunities, the message didn’t fully reflect that collective spirit.
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What fans took away was this: The Unrivaled roster would get to enjoy a state-of-the-art production establishment, which includes meeting rooms, training facilities, a cafeteria with nutritionists, and a childcare room for the athletes’ families to use. However, those who are not under contract with the league wouldn’t get a nickel. Moreover, around 36 players have equity in the league; 18 others don’t. This raises major questions: Do only the players with equity get access?
And then there was another debate.
“Exactly and once again they approved the point that it’s a conflict of interest,” said another. You already know how this conflict of interest has been a talking point around Unrivaled’s ownership. With Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, both vice presidents of the WNBPA, and founders of Unrivaled, questions were always going to follow.
While they’ve continued to advocate for players’ rights, fingers have been pointed at whether their interests could clash with pushing for a full WNBA season. And now, that scrutiny has extended beyond leadership to the players involved themselves.
Oct 16, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) shoots as Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) defends during the second half of game three of the 2024 WNBA Finals at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
All in all, fan sentiment seems to be settling on one conclusion:”they don’t understand the situation dawg ggs.” Well, that’s not entirely true. Players do understand that a lockout would be damaging for a league that’s still rising and finding its footing after two strong seasons. They’ve made it clear before that a lockout isn’t something they want right now.
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But this situation also makes one thing obvious: words matter. And they matter a lot. Exactly what Rebecca Lobo was getting at. Add to that the reality that if Unrivaled were to stage another season during a potential lockout, the optics would almost certainly invite even more negative attention. That narrative would write itself.
For now, there was another fan, who clarified on behalf of Cloud. “People in the quotes are purposely misinterpreting what she’s saying. If there is a lockout, Unrivaled isn’t the only league available for the women to play and make money. Since they now have multiple options, the players don’t feel forced to sign a bad CBA,” they wrote. It does make sense.
There’s no denying that the smallest misstep (or word) could lead to outsized consequences. Not just for one player, but for the entire sisterhood that’s been fighting this battle together. And players know that, too. It’s possible Cloud didn’t intend to look down on anyone. Instead, she may have been trying to make a larger point about why the leverage is finally on the players’ side this time around.
The difference now is options. And not just Unrivaled. Players today have more paths: overseas leagues, new leagues sponsorships, alternative competitions, at every level. That added security is exactly why they’re willing to stand firm and fight. But as they say, perception is in the eye of the beholder.
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