What Happened to Natasha Cloud?
Natasha Cloud is an American professional basketball player known for her tenacious defense, playmaking, and outspoken activism. After winning a WNBA championship with the Washington Mystics in 2019, she has played for the Phoenix Mercury, New York Liberty, and currently the Chicago Sky, signing with them in May 2026. Cloud has consistently used her platform to advocate for social justice, notably sitting out the 2020 WNBA season and speaking out on various human rights issues.
Quick Answer
Natasha Cloud is currently a professional basketball player for the Chicago Sky in the WNBA, having signed a one-year, $550,000 contract with the team on May 4, 2026. Prior to joining the Sky, she played for the New York Liberty in 2025 and the Phoenix Mercury in 2024, following a long and successful tenure with the Washington Mystics where she won a WNBA championship in 2019. Cloud remains a prominent voice for social justice, continuing her advocacy efforts alongside her playing career.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Drafted by Washington Mystics
Natasha Cloud was selected in the second round, 15th overall, by the Washington Mystics in the 2015 WNBA draft, beginning her professional career.
Wins WNBA Championship
Cloud won her first WNBA championship with the Washington Mystics, a significant career highlight.
Forgoes WNBA Season for Social Justice
Natasha Cloud announced she would sit out the 2020 WNBA season to focus on social justice advocacy and community reform efforts, citing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.
WNBA Assists Leader & All-Defensive First Team
Cloud led the WNBA in assists and was named to the WNBA All-Defensive First Team, showcasing her elite playmaking and defensive skills.
Signs with Phoenix Mercury
After nine years with the Washington Mystics, Cloud signed with the Phoenix Mercury for the 2024 WNBA season.
Announced for Unrivaled League
It was announced that Cloud would participate in the inaugural season of Unrivaled, a new women's 3-on-3 basketball league.
Named to WNBA All-Defensive Second Team
Cloud earned her third career All-Defensive honor, being named to the WNBA All-Defensive Second Team while playing for the Phoenix Mercury.
Traded to Connecticut Sun
Cloud was traded to the Connecticut Sun as part of a larger four-team trade, though her tenure there would be brief.
Traded to New York Liberty
Cloud was traded to the New York Liberty for the 7th pick in the 2025 draft and a first-round pick in 2026.
Earns Eastern Conference Player of the Week
Cloud was named the WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week for her strong performance during the opening games of the 2025 season with the New York Liberty.
Wins WNBA Skills Challenge Championship
Natasha Cloud won the WNBA Skills Challenge Championship, demonstrating her all-around basketball abilities.
Unsigned Free Agent Speculation
As the 2026 WNBA season approached, Cloud remained unsigned, leading to public statements from her and speculation about whether her activism was a factor.
Signs with Chicago Sky
Natasha Cloud signed a one-year, $550,000 contract with the Chicago Sky, joining the team for the 2026 WNBA season.
Strong Performance with Chicago Sky
Cloud contributed 11 points, 4 assists, 1 rebound, and 1 steal in 30 minutes during the Chicago Sky's 84-83 victory over Las Vegas.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Natasha Cloud, born February 22, 1992, has established herself as a formidable presence in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) since being drafted 15th overall by the Washington Mystics in 2015. She spent eight seasons with the Mystics, becoming a fan favorite and a key component of their 2019 WNBA Championship team. Her time in Washington was marked by her exceptional defensive skills, earning WNBA All-Defensive First Team honors in 2022 and Second Team honors in 2019.
Beyond her on-court achievements, Cloud gained significant recognition for her unwavering commitment to social justice. In June 2020, she made the impactful decision to forgo the WNBA season to dedicate her efforts to social justice advocacy, particularly in the wake of the George Floyd murder. This move underscored her belief that her platform as an athlete extended beyond basketball, a stance she has maintained throughout her career, advocating for issues ranging from Black Lives Matter to a free Palestine.
Cloud's WNBA journey saw several significant team changes in recent years. After nine years with the Mystics, she signed with the Phoenix Mercury in 2024, where she continued to perform at a high level, earning a WNBA All-Defensive Second Team selection. In February 2025, she was briefly traded to the Connecticut Sun as part of a larger four-team trade, before being traded again to the New York Liberty on March 16, 2025. With the Liberty in 2025, Cloud started 41 games, averaging 10.1 points and 5.1 assists, and was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week in May 2025.
The 2026 offseason presented a period of uncertainty for Cloud, as she remained an unsigned free agent until early May. There was speculation that her outspoken political activism might have contributed to her unsigned status. However, on May 4, 2026, Cloud signed a one-year, $550,000 contract with the Chicago Sky, a move that was widely seen as a strong fit for the veteran guard known for her leadership and defensive prowess. As of August 6, 2026, Cloud is actively playing for the Chicago Sky, contributing to their season with performances such as 11 points and 4 assists in an August 1, 2026, win against Las Vegas.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Natasha Cloud made different choices?