'Makes No Sense": WNBA Star Sounds Dire Warning to Commissioner Cathy Engelbert Over Controversial Housing Plan

WNBA star Natasha Cloud issued a strong warning to commissioner Cathy Engelbert on Saturday. Cloud called out the league after news broke about a controversial proposal in the upcoming CBA that would eliminate team-provided housing.

The New York Liberty guard sent a clear message to Engelbert on Instagram, over the WNBA's contentious housing plan.

"We want team housing," Cloud remarked.

Cloud emphasized the critical role of team-provided housing, noting that its removal would particularly impact younger players and those on 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."

The former WNBA champion spoke out after reports surfaced that the league was considering removing player housing. Since team housing was introduced in 2016, players have been able to choose between living in team-provided accommodations or receiving a stipend.

If the league decides to cut team housing, players will be forced to take care of their living situation, which can be an added burden, especially with the trade cycle lasting till the end of the regular season.

Furthermore, reports suggest that the WNBA has asked players to reconsider the start date for training camps and move it to mid-march rather than early April.

This would also create problems for overseas players, and those participating in Unrivaled would be affected as well, since the 3v3 league wraps up in late March.

With CBA negotiations now pushed into January, the league may need to rethink its demands to avoid a potential lockout.

The players' association offers a clear ultimatum to Cathy Engelbert and the WNBA amid CBA negotiation extension

The WNBA and the WNBPA are continuing their negotiations on a new CBA, with the deadline now pushed to January 9. It’s the second time both sides have agreed to extend the process, as the current deal was initially set to end on Oct. 31.

The players' association offered a clear ultimatum to Cathy Engelbert and the WNBA in a statement to ESPN's Ramona Shelbourne last week.

"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," the statement read.

This is not the first time that talks have moved into January, as both parties required a 60-day extension to finalize the current CBA, which was not sanctioned until January 2020.

Edited by Arian Kashyap