The WNBA CBA talks are disappointing everyone, with fans and players now losing hope of a ‘productive’ outcome. Amid all this, the rival leagues are making strides. One of which is the Unrivaled league, which is now expanding in cities outside Miami. The first player to be excited by this news is Natasha Cloud.
Cloud openly opposed the WNBA’s proposal to take away the housing arrangements. And now she is backing its rival for the expansion.
Natasha Cloud Backing Unrivaled Expansion
For season 2 of the new 3-on-3 league, unrivaled came up with many new ideas and expanded to Philadelphia. The decision was to tap into new markets and also extend the reach. But it excited the Liberty guard for obvious reasons.
“I’m really excited. I don’t know if I’ve played in front of my entire family since 2015, when I graduated from St. Joseph’s in West Philly. It’s exciting for my inner child that wanted nothing more than a women’s basketball team to be present in our city. It makes me so happy for the city that helped raise me, helped mold me,” Cloud told reporters.
The player’s excitement is what the Unrivaled hopes to see in its fans, too, and will look to expand to other cities in the upcoming seasons to add to its fanbase. Players would also love to play in their hometown, which brings out different energy for athletes.
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But with her answer, Cloud revealed WNBA players’ backup plan & strong unity amid looming lockout threat in CBA talks. This is an alarming sign for the league and WNBA fans, too.
Natasha Cloud Tries To Blend Into Unrivaled
Napheesa Collier’s injury forced her to sit out of the Unrivaled Season 2. Former Mystics’ guard also suffered an injury and was unsure about her availability for Unrivalled season 2. Though she made the final cut, she spoke highly of her team.
She said, “I love escaping New York during the winter months b/c it was actually really cold in the wind tunnels and the snow but it’s been great. I love our team. We have a really good team. We have good chemistry and energy.”
Natasha Cloud on returning to Unrivaled for Year 2: “I love escaping New York during the winter months b/c it was actually really cold in the wind tunnels and the snow but it’s been great. I love our team. We have a really good team. We have good chemistry and energy."
— Madeline Kenney (@madkenney) January 10, 2026
Cloud’s team is performing decently in the league and will look to challenge for the title behind veteran guards like Cloud, Plum, and also Fever forward Aliyah Boston.