In a significant development for the Women's National Basketball Association, seasoned point guard Natasha Cloud has inked a deal with the Chicago Sky. This high-profile acquisition sees the former WNBA champion bringing her extensive experience and leadership to her new team, signaling a clear intent for the Sky to bolster their competitive standing. Cloud's career has been marked by consistent excellence, particularly on the defensive end, and a proven ability to perform under pressure in crucial playoff moments.
Veteran Natasha Cloud Electrifies Chicago Sky Roster in Strategic Signing
On a bustling Monday in early May 2026, the Chicago Sky announced the monumental signing of veteran guard Natasha Cloud, an athlete of immense repute and a coveted free agent. While specific financial details remain officially undisclosed by the team, ESPN has reported a lucrative one-year agreement valued at $555,000, underscoring the Sky's commitment to securing top-tier talent. This move heralds Cloud's eleventh professional season in the WNBA and her fourth different franchise, marking her third team in as many years. Following her 2024 season with the Phoenix Mercury, a series of offseason trades had initially placed her with the New York Liberty for the 2025 campaign, where she showcased her enduring prowess.
During her impactful tenure with the Liberty, Cloud, a resilient 34-year-old, participated in 41 of 44 possible games, starting each one. Her statistical contributions were impressive, averaging 10.1 points, 5.1 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per contest. Her performance surged in the intense atmosphere of the playoffs, where her scoring average rose to 12.7 points per game, complemented by an exceptional 50% accuracy from beyond the arc over three postseason matchups. Cloud's distinguished career also includes three selections to the prestigious All-WNBA Defensive Team in 2019, 2022, and 2024, a testament to her unwavering commitment to defense. A crowning achievement was her role in leading the Washington Mystics to a championship title in 2019.
Across 327 career games, with 283 starts for the Washington Mystics (2015-2019, 2021-2023), Phoenix, and New York, Cloud has maintained remarkable averages of 8.8 points, 5.3 assists, and 3.3 rebounds. Her postseason record is particularly strong, averaging 11.0 points and 4.6 assists, alongside a formidable 43.5% three-point shooting percentage in 35 playoff appearances, 29 of which were starts. Chicago's general manager, Jeff Pagliocca, expressed immense enthusiasm on Monday, stating, "Natasha is recognized as one of the premier passers and defenders in our league. She perfectly aligns with the other proven winners we have assembled on our roster." This strategic signing came shortly after the Sky's decision to waive point guard Hailey Van Lith, a first-round pick from 2025, who averaged 3.5 points and 1.6 assists in 29 rookie games without a single start.
Natasha Cloud's arrival in Chicago signifies more than just a player transaction; it represents a commitment to excellence and a strategic move to infuse championship pedigree into the Sky's lineup. Her journey through multiple teams, culminating in this significant signing, highlights the dynamic nature of professional sports and the constant pursuit of competitive advantage. Her leadership, defensive tenacity, and proven playoff performance are assets that could profoundly elevate the Chicago Sky, making them a formidable force in the league. This move not only excites the fanbase but also sets the stage for an intriguing season as Cloud integrates with her new teammates, bringing her unique blend of skill and experience to the Windy City.
