LA Sparks’ Kelsey Plum Lands New Job Outside WNBA

“Being able to compete with the lights on, that to me is very exciting,” Plum said. “Three-on-three is fun, you can’t hide. I really enjoy just going matchup-to-matchup.”

The league plays a compact schedule of two game days per week across ten weeks, giving athletes a chance to stay sharp without the grind of overseas commitments. For Plum, who hasn’t played internationally since 2022, Unrivaled provides a competitive outlet during the WNBA offseason.

Kelsey Plum’s Impact on the Sparks

Plum arrives to Unrivaled after an impressive first year in Los Angeles. She averaged nearly 20 points along with five assists per game, helping the Sparks improve their record from 8-32 in 2024 to 21-23 in 2025. Her leadership was also evident, as she energized fans and teammates while setting higher expectations for the franchise.

Her addition is a major win for Unrivaled, which is entering its second season with more teams and more star players. Alongside Plum, new names such as Kelsey Mitchell, Alanna Smith and Kiki Iriafen are also set to make their debut in the league.

Beyond the court, Plum’s choice to join Unrivaled comes at a time when WNBA players are negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement. As a vice president of the WNBPA, she understands the larger meaning of alternative leagues gaining ground.

Unrivaled’s financial model, with top salaries and shared ownership opportunities,  has already put pressure on the WNBA to raise its standards. For players like Plum, it is both a chance to compete and a statement about the value of women’s basketball.

“This is the right time,” Plum said. “I’m excited to grow as a leader and keep challenging myself.”