A resolution between the players and the WNBA to move forward with free agency negotiations and team building for the 2026 season seems far off. In the ongoing tug-of-war, many things continue to be said, and what exists today is a widening gap preventing the agreement from being finalized soon.
This past Saturday, December 6, rumors emerged about a possible clause that would be removed from the collective bargaining agreement. Faced with this scenario, a flagship player quickly spoke out to make her stance clear, and perhaps that of many, if not all, other players.
Natasha Clould sent Cathy Engelbert a strong warning if that happened.
The message that Natasha Cloud sent to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert
The women’s basketball world remains highly unsettled due to the negotiations, and this news-rumor suggesting they would eliminate the housing that teams provide triggered a strong reaction from Cloud. Through her Instagram account, she sent a clear message to Cathy Engelbert on this matter.
We want team housing.
Later, Natasha clarified that housing is essential, especially for younger players and those with short-term contracts.
This makes no sense for our younger players, for the players that get cut and are stuck in leases,” Cloud added. “Instead of teams that bring in replacement players, nor for players in bigger markets. Let alone talking about player safety in safe areas. @wnbacommish we want a girls girl.
This policy requiring teams to offer housing to their players was implemented in 2016 and has been an important source of support, so the possibility of it being removed understandably raises concerns among players.
If the league decides to move forward with eliminating that clause, it would create an additional burden for players, who would then be responsible for securing housing and covering that expense.
And that is not all, because according to reports, the WNBA has asked some players to start preseason not in mid-April but in mid-March.
This would create another problem for players participating in other leagues abroad or domestically, complicating their logistics. It is worth noting that negotiations have now been pushed to January 2026, and the league should seriously reconsider several of the clauses they want to remove or add, changes that would represent a serious problem for the players, who would not hesitate to call for a stoppage.
An ultimatum to the WNBA
With the new deadline to reach an agreement set for January 9, the WNBPA has issued an ultimatum to the league to reach a resolution that benefits everyone.
The WNBA and WNBPA have agreed to extend the current collective bargaining agreement through January 9, 2026, with either party having the option to terminate the extension with 48 hours’ advance notice. The WNBA and WNBPA are continuing to work toward a new agreement.
Time is running, and they are one month away from reaching something or seeing something else arise.
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