Natasha Cloud’s ‘blackball’ rumors face pushback as WNBA interest surfaces

The WNBA‘s 30th season tips off May 8, and Natasha Cloud still doesn’t have a team. The veteran guard started 41 games last season for the New York Liberty and brings a decade of experience to the backcourt.

She’s a WNBA champion and earned three All-Defensive selections during her career. Her continued availability raised questions around the league. Social media rumors claimed Cloud was being blackballed over her activism and political positions.

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Fans also speculated that her pro-Palestine stance made teams hesitant to sign her. Preseason action already began, and Cloud remains on the market. However, there’s now clarity on the situation.

The Athletic’s WNBA reporter Annie Costabile addressed the rumors Sunday and shot down the blackball claims. League sources told her that several teams expressed interest in Cloud.

“Multiple sources who work in the league have negated social media rumors that Cloud is being blackballed in the league because of her activism,” Costabile wrote. “Decisions for some teams were made quickly when the signing period opened, which could have taken potential opportunities off the table for Cloud before she was fully aware of her standing in New York’s plans.”

Former New York Liberty guard Natasha Cloud

Free Agency Timeline Played a Role

This year’s WNBA free agency window operated under unusual pressure. The new collective bargaining agreement took longer than expected to finalize, so the league compressed the designation and negotiation periods into just five days.