As the situation regarding the CBA becomes more and more unclear by the second and a moratorium is imposed, there is apparent confusion surrounding the future of the WNBA. There is a sense of uncertainty hanging over everyone’s minds as to what this ultimately means for the WNBA. However, while all the players anxiously await a final decision, there is one certain player who isn’t really fazed by the whole thing: Natasha Cloud.
The New York Liberty and Phantom player keeps her cool, knowing there is a backup plan lined up.
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“I feel like I can’t say whether or not there is (a backup plan) because I’m not 100 percent sure, but I know Unrivaled is prepared in a lot of different cases, and the biggest one being we own the space that we play in. So if we wanted to stay here as Unrivaled players with equity in this league and with space, financial money, all that, we could stay here, train, play, have another season if we need to. It’s a beautiful thing, and that’s why I’m so grateful to be a part of a league like Unrivaled,” Natasha Cloud said, giving her perspective while speaking on the “Be Great Academy Podcast.”
She also highlighted emerging leagues like Project B and expressed how happy she was about it because it sends a message: “W, you need to move because there are challengers for you.”
Well, maybe that’s true. The idea that you have a secondary option to fall back on is certainly quite reassuring, but it will once again put the careers of non-Unrivaled players at risk. So what would they do in such circumstances? This will come at a huge cost. Not only will players lose access to the franchise’s facilities, top medical professionals, coaches and physical therapists, but they will also find themselves unable to develop and refine their skills.
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The result would have a negative impact on careers in the long term. This particularly applies to injured players whose rehabilitation process will be modified. It also increases the risk of injury when players return to the field.
So, naturally, this reaction from Natasha Cloud did not sit well with the majority of WNBA fans, who felt that she was going against her tribe by sharing this point of view. While most of her colleagues are fighting for better pay for everyone involved, she’s already convinced she’ll find a new home at Unrivaled, which has earned her a lot of heat on social media.
Fans lash out at Natasha Cloud after unprecedented comment
Fans weren’t ready to let Natasha Cloud walk away scot-free after her comments. Many found it difficult to digest how casually she approached the situation, especially when it appeared that her comfort came from the safety net in Unrivaled.
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“Imagine being one of the 200+ WNBA players and prospects who aren’t involved in Unrivaled, hearing a colleague on a podcast imply that it’s okay if the WNBA shuts down because they can just stay in Unrivaled,” one of the commenters said of Cloud’s “alleged betrayal” of his community.
The user felt that Cloud lacked consideration towards his peers. Yes, she, along with the fifty-four other Unrivaled players, will be able to enjoy all of this, but what about the rest? “So only players privileged enough to play in an unrivaled league would be safe from the economic damage a lockout would cause? Do major players care about their league’s bottom line?” asked another commenter, which certainly poses a very deep question about the ethics and morale a player needs to maintain, more importantly, unity and understanding within the brotherhood.
Unity has long been the WNBPA’s strongest shield, and it is behind it that fans rally. From veterans to beginners, players of all generations have united in this fight. So while Cloud may have highlighted how multiple leagues can expand opportunities, the message doesn’t fully reflect that collective spirit.
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What fans took away was this: The Unrivaled team would benefit from a state-of-the-art production facility, which includes meeting rooms, training facilities, a cafeteria with nutritionists and daycare for the athletes’ families. However, those who are not under contract with the league will not receive a penny. Additionally, around 36 players have equity in the league; 18 others do not. This raises major questions: do only players with equity have access to it?
And then there was another debate.
“Exactly and once again they agreed with the point that this is a conflict of interest,” said another. You already know how this conflict of interest has been a topic of discussion around Unrivaled’s ownership. With Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, both vice presidents of the WNBPA and founders of Unrivaled, the questions were always going to follow.
As they continued to advocate for players’ rights, fingers were pointed over whether their interests might conflict with pushing for a full WNBA season. And now that scrutiny extends beyond leadership and extends to the actors themselves involved.
October 16, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States; New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) shoots as Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) defends during the second half in game three of the 2024 WNBA Finals at Target Center. Mandatory credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Overall, fan opinion seems to settle on one conclusion: “They don’t understand the situation, man, ggs.” Well, that’s not entirely true. The players understand that a lockout would be damaging for a league which continues to progress and which is finding its feet after two good seasons. They have already made it clear that a lockout is not something they want at this time.
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But this situation also highlights one thing: words matter. And they matter a lot. Exactly what Rebecca Lobo was getting at. Add to that the fact that if Unrivaled ran another season during a possible lockout, the optics would almost certainly attract even more negative attention. This story would write itself.
For now, there was another fan, who clarified on Cloud’s behalf. “People in quotes are intentionally misinterpreting what she says. If there is a lockout, Unrivaled is not the only league available for women to play and make money. Since they now have multiple options, players don’t feel like they have to sign a bad CBA,” they wrote. That makes sense.
It is undeniable that the slightest misstep (or word) could result in disproportionate consequences. Not just for one player, but for the entire brotherhood fighting this battle together. And the players know it too. It’s possible that Cloud didn’t intend to look down on anyone. Instead, she may have been trying to make a bigger case for why the leverage is ultimately on the players’ side this time around.
The difference now lies in the options. And not just Unparalleled. Today’s players have more possibilities: foreign leagues, sponsorships of new leagues, alternative competitions, at all levels. This added security is exactly why they are willing to stand firm and fight. But as they say, perception is in the eye of the beholder.
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The position WNBA fans push back against Natasha Cloud after comments about unmatched backup plan appeared first on EssentiallySport.
