Natasha Cloud floats theory about WNBA’s role in US democracy
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The WNBA has seen unprecedented growth and attention over the past few seasons.
New York Liberty guard Natasha Cloud talked about how players are using the league’s increasing influence, especially in the 2020 season. That year marked the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, while incidents of police brutality sparked social justice and equality protests across the United States, highlighting the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement.
That summer, in the bio-secure bubble in Florida, players in the WNBA used their platforms to showcase activism. Bulut was among those who spoke.
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New York Liberty guard Natasha Cloud (9) during a game against the Golden State Valkyries at Barclays Center on May 29, 2025 in Brooklyn, New York. (John Jones/Imagn Images)
He noted that WNBA players were leading voices and helped preserve democracy in America at a crucial moment.
“I wish we could have heard a little bit more from our league during this time, because there was a point in 2020 where we saved democracy and no one wants to give it to us, but you were one of the leaders who spearheaded that and did it very loudly and harshly, but very gracefully and gracefully,” Cloud said. “A Touch More With Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe.”
New York Liberty guard Natasha Cloud (9) warms up before the game against the Seattle Storm at Barclays Center on July 6, 2025 in Brooklyn, New York. (John Jones/Imagn Images)
He added: “This encouraged and influenced the sporting world to do the same and put pressure on people.”
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While Cloud sees 2020 as a hallmark year, she also expressed concerns about the decline she sees in advocacy in today’s WNBA.
New York Liberty’s Natasha Cloud (9) dribbles against the Chicago Sky during the first half at Barclays Center on August 21, 2025 in New York City, New York. (Evan Bernstein/Getty Images)
“Every piece of activism is important,” Cloud said. “I don’t want to lose that at W because we’ve always been at the forefront, and I would say in the last two or three years we’ve kind of fallen behind in terms of protecting our families and providing for our families.”
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Cloud averaged 10.1 points and 5.1 assists per game in his first season at Liberty. She joined the Phoenix Mercury in 2024 and spent the first eight seasons of her WNBA career with the Washington Mystics.
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