When the concept of Unrivaled Basketball, a 3-on-3 offseason league, was introduced by WNBA standouts Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, Kelsey Plum was one of the first to jump on board. The Las Vegas Aces star became the sixth player to secure her spot in the league’s roster of 30 players back in July.
The primary motivation for Plum to join seemed clear—boosting her earnings. The new league, set to debut in January, promised top-tier compensation for players, including a minimum salary of $100,000 per season. This additional income would have significantly supplemented Plum’s current WNBA contract, reportedly valued at around $200,000 annually. However, all of that now feels like a distant memory.
On November 27, days after celebrating her partnership with Kingmakers Cigar for a signature collection, Kelsey Plum took to Instagram to make a surprising announcement. In her Instagram story, she revealed, “I’ve decided not to take part in the inaugural season of Unrivaled.” With just a month left before the league’s debut and only two roster spots remaining to be filled, Plum’s decision was a blow to the league and its fans.
If you’re assuming the decision stems from other professional commitments or an injury, you’d be mistaken. Plum’s reason was personal—she wanted to focus on herself during the offseason. She explained, “In order to take some time for myself this offseason… I wish the league and its players nothing but the best and I’m excited to watch.”
For Plum, prioritizing her well-being outweighed the allure of the $100,000 salary, showcasing the importance of balance even in the face of lucrative opportunities. The league itself was caught off guard, as just a few days earlier, Unrivaled had revealed its roster, and Plum was drafted to the Laces basketball club. She would have played under coach Andre Wade, alongside Courtney Williams, Kayla McBride, Alyssa Thomas, Stefanie Dolson, and her teammate Kate Martin. However, all those plans have gone in vain as Plum will be enjoying her offseason.
