This is what we mean when we talk about if companies decide to step up or not. Actions always will speak louder than words.
With Natasha Cloud deciding to sit out the 2020 WNBA season to focus on social justice issues, she effectively forfeited her salary for this season. The Washington Mystics star recently announced a new endorsement deal with Converse – and that company has decided to pay her entire salary she foregoed for the season.
Converse has immense respect for Natasha Cloud’s decision to forgo the WNBA season. These systemic racial justice issues are bigger than basketball. To be able to put her career and passion on hold in order to devote her energy, voice and platform to change demonstrates her integrity and strength. We are proud to have her on the Converse team, are humbled to match her forfeited players salary and look forward to working together with Natasha on these issues as well as supporting her vision in this space.
–Converse statement (NBC Sports Washington)
The deal between Cloud and Converse was announced in early June.
REPORT: After making the decision to opt out of the 2020 @WNBA season to focus on social justice matters, @Converse offered to cover 100 percent of @T_Cloud4’s salary. Cloud recently became the first WNBA player to sign a shoe deal with the brand. #wnba pic.twitter.com/3RLZVueBj7
— Girls Talk Sports TV (@GrlsTalkSports_) June 29, 2020
Ever since the Black Lives Matter protests of this year in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, Cloud has been one of the most visible athletes in the public square pushing for change. She has attended protests in both her native Philadelphia as well as in Washington, DC.
Converse also made a $25,000 donation to a racial justice organization in Philadelphia.
