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WNBA has experienced unprecedented growth and attention in the last few seasons.
The New York Liberty Guard Natasha Cloud reflected on how players have exerted the league’s growing influence, especially in the 2020 season. That year, the entry of the Covid-19 pandemic marked, while incidents with police brutality triggered social justice and gender equality protests throughout the United States, which brought the height of the Black Lives Matter movement at the forefront.
That summer, in the Bio-Secure Bubble in Florida, players across WNBA used their platforms to show activism. Cloud 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/Imag- Pictures)
She credited WNBA players with being leading voices and helping to preserve democracy in America in a central moment.
“I just wish we would have a few more voices from our league during this period because there was a point where we saved democracy in 2020 and no one wants to give it, but you were one of the heads to lead it and do it in a very loud and tough way, but a very subtle and graceful way,” said Cloud during a recent appearance.
New York Liberty Guard Natasha Cloud (9) warms up before a game against Seattle Storm at Barclays Center on July 6, 2025 in Brooklyn, New York. (John Jones/Imag- Pictures)
She added, “like really just galvanized and affected the sports world to do the same, and it puts pressure on people.”
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While Cloud considers 2020 as a hallmark, she also expressed concern about the decline she has seen in advocacy in today’s WNBA.
Natasha Cloud (9) from New York Liberty dribbles the ball against Chicago Sky during the first half of the Barclays Center on August 21, 2025 in New York City, New York. (Evan Bernstein/Getty Images)
“Every part of activism is important,” Cloud said. “I just don’t want to lose it as W because we’ve always been at the forefront, and I want to say like the last two or three years I’ve seen us fall back to the protection of openly our families and how we take care of our families.”
Cloud average 10.1 points and 5.1 assists per Fight in his first season with Liberty. She joined Phoenix Mercury in 2024 and spent the first eight seasons of her WNBA career with Washington Mystics.
