The WNBA is supposed to be about the game. But lately, the headlines haven’t been about buzzer-beaters, crossovers, or playoff races — instead, they’re filled with drama, entitlement, and players who seem more interested in control than competition.

And now, Washington Mystics guard Natasha Cloud is drawing heat after going off on WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert — and, shockingly, it’s over… actually playing basketball.

You read that right.

Cloud Complains About… Too Many Games?

In a recent press conference after another Mystics loss, Cloud — who has built a reputation as one of the league’s more outspoken voices — took direct aim at Engelbert and the league schedule:

“We’re being overworked. The league’s expansion, the travel, the scheduling — it’s too much. They don’t care about our bodies. They just care about money.”

Cloud, who is averaging under 10 points per game this season, appeared visibly frustrated not just with her own performance, but with the fact that the WNBA is trying to expand its visibility and game count.

The irony? This comes at a time when more fans than ever are watching — largely thanks to the surge of interest from stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Aliyah Boston.

“Too Much Basketball” in a Basketball League?

Critics were quick to react — and they weren’t buying it.

“You’re being paid to play basketball. And you’re mad… about playing basketball?”

“This is the first time the league is actually GROWING and now they want to pull back?”

“This is the exact kind of attitude that holds the WNBA back.”

Many fans pointed out the contradiction: players want higher salaries, charter flights, and media attention — but push back when asked to play more games or meet rising fan demand.

As one post on X (formerly Twitter) put it:

“NBA players play 82 games. WNBA plays 40. Let’s be real. If you want equal pay, you need equal hustle.”

Cathy Engelbert’s Silent Response Speaks Volumes

Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has not directly responded to Cloud’s criticism, but league insiders say she’s fully aware of the pushback from some veteran players about the direction the league is heading.

And frankly, she’s got bigger priorities — like handling skyrocketing attendance, sponsorship growth, and national TV deals.

Engelbert is trying to grow the WNBA into a profitable, mainstream league. That means more games, more attention, and yes — more accountability.

Some players are all in.
Others? Not so much.

Entitlement vs. Opportunity

This incident has sparked a growing divide between the old guard of the WNBA and its new wave of stars.

Veterans like Natasha Cloud and Nneka Ogwumike have raised concerns about player fatigue, structure, and control. Meanwhile, rookies like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese — who are used to the college spotlight and high-pressure schedules — have embraced the grind, showing up every night and keeping the spotlight on the game.

The league’s future depends on this generation accepting the truth: if you want a bigger platform, you have to do the work that comes with it.

Final Thoughts: Time to Play or Step Aside

The WNBA is finally getting the attention it deserves. But that attention comes with expectations. More fans. More games. More responsibility.

The league doesn’t need more complaints. It needs leadership, accountability, and players who want to be ambassadors for the game, not just beneficiaries of its growth.

So to Natasha Cloud — and any player who thinks 40 games is “too much”:
Maybe it’s time to step aside and let the ones who love the game carry it forward.

Because the WNBA is rising — whether you’re ready or not.