The Chicago Sky announced Monday they have signed veteran point guard Natasha Cloud to a one-year contract worth $555,000, ending her free-agent holdout ahead of the 2026 WNBA season opener later this week [1].
Cloud, 34, who started 41 games for the New York Liberty in 2025 and averaged 10.1 points, 5.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, was a high-profile free agent after being traded twice last offseason—first to the Connecticut Sun and then to the Liberty [1]. She had remained unsigned as training camps began, fueling speculation her activism was affecting her market, a notion the team’s signing dismisses [1].
Sky General Manager Jeff Pagliocca described Cloud as "one of the best passers and defenders in our league," noting she "fits in with the other proven winners on our roster" as Chicago looks to return to postseason play for the first time since 2023 [1]. CBS Sports characterized the Sky as having a revamped roster after finishing among the worst in franchise history last season [1].
Jonathan Kolb, representing Cloud, praised her activism: "What she stands for is what I stand for. I believe in speaking up for the voiceless. There is no better embodiment of that than Natasha Cloud, and she puts her life on the line every single day, almost, with saying what she believes. So I just want to get those narratives out" [1].
Cloud’s signing comes less than a week before the Sky’s 2026 season opener, positioning the team to bolster its backcourt depth and experience [1]. The deal underscores Chicago’s effort to improve following their difficult 2025 campaign.