A SALUTE TO AN ICON

Tina Charles has called it a career.

On May 5, the 2012 league MVP announced her retirement from the game of basketball.

Following the announcement, tributes poured in across the basketball community.
Tina Charles has defined excellence and consistency throughout one of the most remarkable careers in WNBA history,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement.

“Her excellence on the court,” New York Liberty CEO Keia Clarke said in a statement, “her leadership in the community, and her unwavering commitment to pouring so much into the New York community, the city that raised her, will endure for generations.”

Earlier today, Black Rosie Media asked Jonquel Jones about Charles’ impact after New York Liberty practice in Brooklyn.

“Obviously a great player, and someone that I looked up to for a long time before coming into this league, and then after being in this league. She's one of the vets that always checked on me, that always was in my ear about what I could do to make my game better,” Jones said.

“Hats off to her for a historical career, obviously a legendary career. And I'm sure she has a lot of great things lined up for the next chapter.”

Tina’s basketball journey began in Queens, NY. Charles starred at Christ the King High School here in NYC before joining the University of Connecticut and winning back-to-back national championships. Tina ended her college career on a 78 game winning streak.

Her path in the WNBA didn’t stray too far from Storrs. She was taken first overall by the Connecticut Sun in 2010 and played her first four seasons in Uncasville.

In 2014, she returned home and played six seasons with the Liberty, culminating in a trip to the Conference Finals in 2015. Charles kept the Liberty afloat as they dealt with various changes to their arenas due to unsupportive ownership. Throughout her run in New York, Charles served as the focal point of the team and was a big

Everywhere she went, Charles provided a tremendous presence on the court and in the community. Her greatness on the court. Charles played her final WNBA season where it began with the Sun. In her final WNBA interview, she reflected on her journey with Terrika Foster-Brasby:

Tina Charles leaves behind a wonderful basketball legacy. She was one of the most decorated players in NCAA history. She excelled in the WNBA as she kept up the game’s evolutions. Before she left, Tina provided one more gift to the game of basketball

As she enters into retirement, her advocacy will help the next generation of players. Tina’s contributions will never be forgotten and she has a well deserved spot waiting for her in the Hall of Fame when the time comes.

Here’s what you need to know today:

🗽 Across the Black Rosie Media Network
The New York Liberty enter the WNBA season shorthanded.

💰 Natasha Cloud is signed
Where will she play in 2026?

💰 Money moves
More questions surrounding the Dallas Wings.

📰 What we’re reading
Some great writing that’s come across our desks.

THE LIBERTY ENTER THE NEW SEASON SHORTHANDED

The WNBA regular season is fast approaching, and the New York Liberty will have to start the new year without their All Star guard.

On May 4, Madeline Kenney of the New York Post reported that Sabrina Ionescu will be out at least two weeks due to a left ankle injury. During New York’s win over the Connecticut Sun, Ionescu left the game in the third quarter after rolling her ankle.

On the latest edition of Gotta Get Up, Erica L. Ayala and I discussed how the Liberty will make up for Ionescu’s absence

The Liberty begin the season on May 8 against the Connecticut Sun before a three game road trip that sees them play against the Washington Mystics and two against the Portland Fire.

Following their second game against the Fire, the team will be off for a week before beginning a seven game homestand on May 21, starting with the Golden State Valkyries.

The Liberty’s roster construction will help manage Ionescu’s absence. The team has depth up and down the roster and are motivated to get back to the top of the WNBA. It won’t be easy, but it’s possible.

WHERE WILL NATASHA CLOUD PLAY IN 2026?

Natasha Cloud is moving to the Midwest.

On May 4, it was announced that Cloud will be joining the Chicago Sky on a one year, $555,000 contract. To make room for Cloud, the team waived Hailey Van Lith among other players following the completion of the preseason.

Cloud will be joining a new look Sky team that includes Skylar Diggins, Rickea Jackson, Azura Stevens and a recovering from an ACL tear Courtney Vandersloot. Cloud is joining a veteran club that hopes to compete and reverse its poor reputation.

“Natasha is one of the best passers and guard defenders in our league,” General Manager Jeff Pagliocca said in a statement. “She fits in with the other proven winners on our roster.”

As we’ve covered here at the Women’s Basketball Roundup, Cloud’s free agency was a contentious point of discussion throughout the WNBA community. We asked if she could find a team and salary that could fit her needs, and the answer appears to be yes.

On the court, the Sky will be joined by a guard that is at her best driving to the basket and creating scoring opportunities for her teammates. With a revamped roster, Chicago will try to boost their offense under second year head coach, Tyler Marsh. Defensively, Cloud will help offset the early absence of Dijonai Carrington, who is continuing to recover from offseason foot surgery.

Off the court, the Sky will welcome a player that forms great connections with the fans and communities she plays in. Cloud is a fierce advocate and someone that advocates for righteous causes around the world. She’ll fit in well in a vibrant and engaging city like Chicago.

The Sky hope their series of moves will pay off in a postseason appearance. With Cloud, they have a roster full of veterans that have played in high stakes games. As the franchise turns the page, they hope Cloud and the rest of the team shines on the court and in the community.

FALSE START?

Where will the Dallas Wings play in 2027?

According to new head coach Jose Fernandez, the plan is to have the team play in American Airlines Arena beginning in 2027. The Arena is the home of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks and is a dramatic upgrade in capacity over the team’s current arena, College Park Center in Arlington, Texas.

However, Wings leadership had to pump the brakes on Fernandez’s statement to reporters.

"We do not have a finalized agreement, nor have we achieved the approvals from the league that you technically need to have to change venue for a season," Wings CEO Greg Bibb said.

“While I'm optimistic that we're going to have news on that front soon, we do not have that news as of today. That's important."

In addition to figuring out where they will play going forward, the Wings still have to resolve their practice facility situation. As the Wings continue to grow and navigate the increased attention they have, they have to make sure their infrastructure is sound.

The WNBA continues to see attendance rise, but has to answer questions about some home arenas. Teams such as Dallas, Atlanta, and Washington play in arenas that hold under 10,000 people. That’s untenable as the league continues to establish its mainstream footing.

The Wings have a lot to figure out. They’re trying to compete for a playoff spot. The team is also trying to keep up with the increasing standards of the modern WNBA.

Dallas has to make sure they make the right choices and put themselves in the best position possible to succeed. If not, they risk falling behind their peers across the WNBA.

At Black Rosie Media, we love to give flowers to other writers and creators in the women’s basketball community.

Here’s what we’re reading:

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