Washington Mystics guard Natasha Cloud is a force to be reckoned with. This week, she was honored with the WNBA's community leadership award, recognizing her dedication to social justice and community engagement. Cloud's on-court performance is equally impressive; she's a key player for the Mystics and a consistent presence in their starting lineup.
However, even with her success in the WNBA, Cloud faces the financial realities that many women's basketball players encounter. To secure a sustainable income, she spends six months of the off-season playing professionally overseas. This is a common practice among WNBA players, driven by the disparities in pay compared to their male counterparts in the NBA.
The gender pay gap in professional sports is a complex issue, and Cloud is a vocal advocate for change. She uses her platform to raise awareness about the financial challenges faced by women athletes and to push for greater equity in compensation and opportunities. The issue extends beyond just the pay difference, encompassing factors like endorsements, media coverage, and overall investment in women's sports. Cloud believes that investing in women's basketball is an investment in the future of the sport and in gender equality.
WNBA's Natasha Cloud Addresses Gender Pay Gap in Women's Basketball
WNBA star Natasha Cloud recently received the league's community leadership award, highlighting her impact both on and off the court. Despite her consistent performance for the Mystics, Cloud, like many WNBA players, supplements her income by playing overseas during the off-season. This necessity underscores the significant gender pay gap in professional basketball. Cloud uses her platform to advocate for fair compensation and equal opportunities for women athletes.
Source: Read the original article at CBS