Natasha Cloud Stats Say All-Star — But Is Her Outspoken Identity With Girlfriend Costing Her Votes?

New York Liberty's standout guard Natasha Cloud was noticeably absent from the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game roster, despite a season marked by elite performance and leadership. Despite winning the Kia Skills Challenge, the All-Star snub has raised questions over how much her public identity and relationship with Liberty teammate Isabelle Harrison may be influencing recognition from fans and the league.

Impressive Stats That Support an All-Star Nod

In the 2025 WNBA season, Cloud has emerged as one of the most efficient playmakers in the league. According to ESPN's 2025 season stats, she currently leads the Liberty in assists, averaging 6 per game, and ranks among the league's best in assist-to-turnover ratio. Cloud's defensive contributions have also been crucial, often matched against the opposing team's top scorers and frequently disrupting passing lanes.

Her presence has been instrumental in the Liberty's early success, with the team opening the season on a nine-game winning streak. As a veteran presence, Cloud has provided the stability and court awareness needed for the Liberty's offence to flow effectively.

Skills Challenge Victory Amid All-Star Snub

Despite being overlooked for the main All-Star roster, Cloud made her presence known during the Skills Challenge, winning the competition with a time of 36.4 seconds. The win earned her $57,574 (£42,500), which she announced would go toward purchasing a home with her girlfriend, fellow Liberty player Isabelle Harrison.

The victory served as a public rebuttal to those questioning her on-court value. In post-event interviews, Cloud maintained a composed stance, focusing instead on her team's goals and personal progress.

Identity, Advocacy and Public Perception

Natasha Cloud has never shied away from using her platform to speak out. Whether advocating for social justice, calling for better pay, or speaking on CBA negotiations, Cloud's voice is a prominent one in the WNBA landscape. Her recent posts addressing controversial topics such as immigration enforcement and political leadership have attracted both praise and backlash.

Her open relationship with Harrison, shared openly on social media, has also garnered attention.

While many fans celebrate the visibility and representation, others speculate whether such openness may influence voting trends or league endorsements. The question remains whether Cloud's advocacy and personal life have become distractions in the eyes of voters or league officials.

WNBA Marketing and the Fan Voting System

Some analysts have pointed to a pattern in All-Star selections, where players with flashy highlight reels or larger followings are favoured over consistent performers like Cloud. Despite superior stats, her more reserved style of play and focus on team-first basketball may not resonate as strongly in a fan-voting landscape.

This dynamic raises questions about whether the WNBA is doing enough to spotlight players based on performance over marketability. Cloud's absence, paired with her Skills Challenge win, illustrates the disconnect between statistics and recognition in the current system.

Focus Remains on Team Goals

While the debate continues, Cloud remains focused on the Liberty's postseason ambitions. She continues to play a central role in the team's offence and defence, while also representing players' interests in ongoing labour discussions within the league. As the season progresses, her contributions may yet force a broader reassessment of how WNBA recognition is earned.