The recent remarks made by Liberty star Natasha Cloud have sparked a whirlwind of questions and concerns about the future of the WNBA. Unrivaled and Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball have emerged as platforms that allow WNBA players to practice and compete during their offseason without the need to travel internationally. While some athletes relish the opportunity to experience different cultures and play abroad, others prefer to stay closer to home. Both leagues have become a refuge for players who fall into either category, offering them a place to showcase their talents.
However, the emergence of these leagues has also prompted discussions regarding potential conflicts of interest, especially since Unrivaled was co-founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier of the New York Liberty. There’s an ongoing debate about whether these leagues could sufficiently support WNBA players—at least those who choose to participate—if a strike were to occur ahead of the 2026 season.
During a recent appearance on the "Be Great Academy Podcast," Cloud stoked the flames of these concerns. In a clip that gained traction on social media, she expressed uncertainty about whether a backup plan exists but affirmed the readiness of Unrivaled in various scenarios. "I feel like I can’t say that there is or there isn’t (a backup plan) coz I’m not 100% sure, but I know Unrivaled is prepared in so many different instances and the biggest one being that we own the space that we play in," she remarked.
Cloud elaborated, saying, "So if we wanted to stay here as the players of Unrivaled with equity in this league and with space, financial money, all that stuff, we could stay here, train, play, put on another season if need be. So that’s a beautiful thing, and that’s why I’m so appreciative to be a part of a league like Unrivaled.” These comments underscore the potential flexibility that Unrivaled could offer amid uncertainties.
Interestingly, although Unrivaled initially launched as a professional 3x3 basketball league, it’s feasible that it might shift its model to include 5x5 basketball. Furthermore, there’s the possibility of expanding the league to accommodate more WNBA players who are not currently involved with Unrivaled. However, this remains a speculative notion. At this stage, it's unclear how such a transition might unfold, how much time would be needed to implement it, and how many additional athletes could join the league. Currently, Unrivaled features a roster of 54 players, while the WNBA comprises approximately 150 to 160 players. This discrepancy highlights the significant number of athletes who could find themselves without opportunities should the 2026 WNBA season face delays.
On a positive note, both the WNBA and the WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) are engaged in earnest negotiations to reach new agreements. Although the latest Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) extension expired on January 9, both parties have conveyed their commitment to continue discussions in good faith. There’s a shared optimism that a new CBA will be finalized before the start of the 2026 season. Yet, given Cloud's recent comments, it’s evident that players are proactively contemplating the implications of a possible strike. It is entirely reasonable for many to hope that Unrivaled will provide clarity and answers in these uncertain times.
