With only a few weeks to go before the 2026 WNBA season tips off, Natasha Cloud remains unsigned. Cloud is a one-time WNBA champion and a three-time All-Defensive Team selection, so her being without a team is a surprise.
YouTube content creator Mick Talks Hoops offered his two cents on why the New York Liberty guard hasn’t been signed to a WNBA roster yet. According to Mick, cap space is a factor in this situation.
“You’ve now got a lot of teams that just can’t afford a Natasha Cloud. And then, a lot of the teams that can afford a Natasha Cloud, probably don’t even want a Natasha Cloud. That’s where the problem is.”
Mick also claimed that even an expansion team like the Portland Fire have no interest in signing Natasha Cloud, supposedly because they’re looking to get a prime position in the 2027 WNBA draft.
“Portland is trying to lose…Portland might go 3-41…Those fans are going to be really excited when JuJu Watkins rocks up.”
Though Cloud had somewhat of a down year in her debut season with the Liberty, averaging just 10.1 ppg in 41 outings, she remains a veteran 3-and-D threat who can fit nicely with a playoff contender.
Analyst Claims That Natasha Cloud’s Remaining Unsigned Is “Not a Coincidence”
Meanwhile, Kristine Mikkelsen of EveryQueer explored a different angle on Natasha Cloud’s lack of suitors at this point.
“One of the best players in the WNBA is still unsigned days before training camp because she is one of the league’s most outspoken advocates. That is not a coincidence. That is consequence.”
Mikkelsen claimed that Cloud’s stance on various issues, such as racial inequality and the situation in Palestine, has made her “a target” at this pivotal point in her career.
