As the March 10 deadline approaches, both the WNBA and its players’ union face mounting pressure to finalize a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) to avoid delays in the upcoming season, slated to begin May 8. The league warned that failure to reach a deal soon could postpone the 2026 campaign, igniting frustration among fans eager for resolution amid the latest proposal on the table. Yet, Liberty star Natasha Cloud expressed dissatisfaction with the terms, highlighting ongoing concerns.
Natasha Cloud Voices Concerns Over Middle-Tier Pay and Housing
Natasha Cloud, currently signed with the Unrivaled’s Phantom BC, openly critiqued the proposed CBA offer, focusing on the financial realities faced by mid-level players. She emphasized that despite a potential $200,000 salary increase, the economic pressures in high-cost markets like New York would severely reduce the actual benefit for many athletes. Cloud stressed the urgency of addressing housing costs alongside salary raises to better support “middleman” players who fall between rookie contracts and top veteran salaries.
We are still not making enough that middleman ( ‘middle class’ players, who aren’t on rookie contracts or the top veteran players), potentially still not making enough for housing to also be taken off the table,
said Cloud.
Everyone knows this New York market, that though that $200,000 jump that players are going to make, that’s before taxes. That’s before what they would have to pay for a potential housing market in this in the state of New York. I still am focused on our middleman again. I think it’s a starting point, and I’m happy with them finally coming back to us with a proposal, but I think there’s a lot more that we can do to protect our middleman, even with our jump in salary.
Details of the Latest CBA Proposal and Salary Adjustments
The new offer introduces a structure where players would receive 26% of the league’s gross revenue, with a team salary cap beginning at around $9.5 million in the first year. It also permits rookies who earn first or second-team all-league honors to sign maximum contracts starting in their fourth year, with average maximum salaries projected to reach $460,000 and a minimum floor of $220,000. Compared to last season’s baseline—with salaries ranging from about $66,000 to $250,000—these figures mark a considerable increase, especially for mid-tier players.
Fan Response Highlights Division Over Cloud’s Critique
Despite Cloud’s reservations, many fans have pushed back against her stance, eager to see the CBA concluded and the 2026 season proceed uninterrupted. The significant jump in salary caps from $1.5 million in 2025 to $5.75 million in the first year of the proposed deal—which equates to over 280%—has led many supporters to regard the offer as generous and a step forward for the league and its players. Voices on social media expressed skepticism about Cloud’s critiques and questioned her popularity among fans and peers alike.
Every time I listen to Natasha Cloud, I feel like some of my brain cells were destroyed by doing so.
Serious Question: Does Natasha Cloud have fans? Like, does anyone actually like her?
Meanwhile, WNBPA vice president and Sparks guard Kelsey Plum described the proposal as a significant win for players, indicating a degree of internal support despite ongoing negotiations. Some fans warned about the potential fallout from a lockout, emphasizing that without a season, players would lose income entirely.
You’re going to make a lot less if you don’t have a season…
Role players talking like stars. Her opinion is irrelevant.
Then don’t play in NY. Problem solved.
Context of Revenue Sharing and Player Benefits in Negotiations
Negotiations have been ongoing for more than a year as the WNBA players’ association pushes for a revenue-sharing model akin to the NBA‘s, which would more directly link player earnings to league growth. Their demands include not only increased salaries but also codified charter travel, enhanced retirement and family planning benefits, pregnancy protections, and better conditions for practice facilities and gameplay. These initiatives reflect players’ broader desires for sustainable career environments beyond simple pay increases.
Fan Priorities and the Future of the WNBA Season
Fans remain anxious about any delay that could push back the start of the 2026 season, particularly as the league presents a markedly improved offer with substantial financial gains for majority of players. Many supporters emphasize the importance of compromise and swift resolution to maintain momentum for the league’s continued development. With the deadline nearing, all eyes are on the union and league executives to finalize an agreement that balances the players’ needs with the league’s operational frameworks.
"We are still not making enough."
Natasha Cloud responds to the WNBA's new CBA proposal and brings up her issues with housing potentially being taken away, citing that a big market like NYC will essentially cancel out the $200K jump in salary. pic.twitter.com/Z1mpJHL0pa
— Sportico (@Sportico) March 2, 2026
