New York Liberty GM says Natasha Cloud still belongs in the league even though she's unsigned
The WNBA champion hasn't signed for the 2026 season, but the Liberty's top executive is making sure people notice.
At a glance
What matters most
- Natasha Cloud, a former WNBA champion and standout guard, has not signed with a team for the 2026 season despite her proven impact.
- New York Liberty GM Jonathan Kolb said she 'belongs in the WNBA,' even though the team chose not to re-sign her.
- Cloud's absence has sparked conversation about roster decisions, player value, and how teams weigh experience against youth and salary considerations.
- The Liberty are defending champions and have reshaped their backcourt, opting for younger, cost-effective options this season.
Across the spectrum
What people are saying
A quick look at how the same story is being framed from different angles.
On the Left
Natasha Cloud's continued absence from a roster reflects deeper issues in how the WNBA values Black women athletes who are also vocal about social justice. Her leadership and championship experience should make her a no-brainer for any team, and her being unsigned suggests that players who speak up may face quiet pushback, even as the league celebrates diversity and activism in public.
In the Center
Roster decisions in the WNBA often come down to a mix of salary, team timeline, and fit. While Natasha Cloud is clearly a high-impact player, teams like the Liberty are balancing short-term success with long-term sustainability. Her lack of a contract may be less about her ability and more about the tough math of a capped league with rising talent.
On the Right
While it's fair to recognize Natasha Cloud's contributions, teams have to prioritize winning now within their financial limits. The Liberty made a calculated choice to go younger and more affordable. Praising her is respectful, but it shouldn't overshadow the reality that sports is a business-and sometimes, even great players become outliers in a changing market.
Full coverage
What you should know
Natasha Cloud hasn't laced up for a game this season, but she's still making waves. As the 2026 WNBA season tips off, one of the league's most respected guards remains unsigned. Cloud, who played a pivotal role in the Washington Mystics' 2019 title run and helped elevate the league's profile through her play and advocacy, is sitting on the sidelines-not due to injury or retirement, but because no team has signed her.
That silence has drawn attention, and now New York Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb has broken it. Though his team decided not to bring Cloud back after her brief stint in 2025, Kolb made it clear he still sees her as a top-tier player. 'She belongs in the WNBA,' Kolb said in a recent interview, a statement that carried more weight because of who said it and when.
The Liberty, fresh off a championship run, have been reshaping their roster with an eye on continuity and financial flexibility. They've leaned into younger backcourt options, which likely made re-signing Cloud-a veteran with premium experience and likely salary demands-a tougher fit. Still, Kolb didn't shy away from praising her leadership, defense, and basketball IQ, qualities that don't always show up on stat sheets but shape winning cultures.
His comments have resonated beyond New York. Fans and analysts are asking why a player of Cloud's caliber is still available. Some point to the tight salary cap and the league's growing depth, where teams are betting on emerging talent over proven veterans. Others wonder if Cloud's outspokenness on social issues, while respected, might make some franchises hesitant in a league still navigating the balance between athlete activism and brand management.
Whatever the reason, the situation highlights a broader tension in the WNBA: how to value experience in a league where roster spots and dollars are scarce. Veterans like Cloud often bring intangibles-calm in crunch time, mentorship for younger players, media savvy-but those don't always outweigh cost or fit in a team's timeline.
Kolb's endorsement may not land Cloud a contract tomorrow, but it keeps her in the conversation. In a league where visibility can be as crucial as athleticism, having a championship GM vouch for you matters. It's a reminder that worth isn't always measured by a jersey on a hanger or a name on a depth chart.
For now, Cloud waits. But as long as voices like Kolb's are speaking up, the message is clear: her career isn't over, and the league hasn't forgotten what she brings.
About this author
Zwely News Staff compiles multi-source reporting into concise, viewpoint-aware coverage for readers who want context without noise.
Source Notes
New York Liberty GM Says Unsigned Natasha Cloud 'Belongs in the WNBA'
Veteran guard Natasha Cloud surprisingly remains unsigned. New York Liberty GM Jonathan Kolb went to bat for the WNBA champion.
Liberty GM lauds ‘phenomenal’ Natasha Cloud as her WNBA free agency lingers
The Liberty GM explained why the team didn't bring her back while sticking up for the WNBA free agent.
Previous story
Jokic and Randle each get suspended after ugly playoff scuffle
Next story
