With just five days until the 2026 WNBA season begins, Natasha Cloud remains unsigned, and while rumors suggest she may be blackballed for her outspoken views, Sue Bird is not buying that narrative.

“I personally don’t want to live in a world where Natasha Cloud is being punished for being outspoken. It is not what our league has been built on. In fact, being outspoken is part of the fabric of our league, it’s what connects us to our fan base,” said Hall of Famer Sue Bird on the Touch More podcast she co-hosts with Megan Rapinoe.

For Bird, the WNBA’s openness to social and political expression is not a problem. It is a core part of what the league stands for.

She made that point clear, adding, “That would be the antithesis of the WNBA's identity for Tash to be blackballed in this way."

At the same time, Bird acknowledged that there is still more to understand, saying, "The other part of it is, I don't think we'll know Natasha's experience until she tells us."

For those who missed it, with Natasha Cloud still unsigned, some people on social media have started to speculate about why, including claims that she may be blackballed because of her outspoken views.

The 34-year-old has spoken out on issues like v******* and racial justice, campaigned with Zohran Mamdani, and supported Palestinians in Gaza, remaining one of the league’s most politically active players.

Despite that, Cloud has been a key contributor on winning teams, including a 2019 title and playoff runs with Phoenix and New York, yet after starting 41 of 44 games for the New York Liberty last season, she remains unsigned with less than a week before Opening Night.

As speculation continues to swirl, Natasha Cloud is choosing to stay silent and let her work speak for itself instead.

Natasha Cloud Speaks Out During Free Agency

Natasha Cloud shared on Threads that she has intentionally stayed quiet during free agency, saying she is focused on training and knows her value.

“I have yet to speak. That’s intentional & my power,” the 10-year WNBA veteran wrote on Thread last month.

“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,” she added.

At 34, Cloud remains one of the most accomplished active players, which makes her current situation stand out even more.

Natasha Cloud spent eight seasons with the Washington Mystics, won a title in 2019, then played for the Phoenix Mercury and later started for the New York Liberty, but despite that, she remains unsigned as others shape the narrative around her situation.

Some believe she is being blackballed, while others think it is something else, but in reality, Cloud appears to be dealing with the same challenges that come with free agency.

Having said that, why do you think Natasha Cloud is still unsigned despite her experience and recent performance?

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Written by

Sauramita Debbarma

Edited by

Souvik Roy