Kelsey Plum is finally Unrivaled.
The two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time WNBA champion had initially committed to join the startup three-on-three league in 2025, but opted out for personal rest. Now, she is on board as Unrivaled expands to eight teams in its second season.
Last year wasnt the time for me to play, I just needed to rest, just really reset, Plum said. Im in a different place in my life now and Im just really excited to go out to Miami and ball out.
Plum watched the league from a distance in its debut season and was particularly drawn to its pace and talent level. After competing for Team USA in 3×3 at the Tokyo Olympics, Plum announced her retirement from that specific style of basketball. She was quick to point out the differences with Unrivaleds full court three-on-three, and is eager to thrive in the format.
The veteran guard is also excited to have a competitive outlet during her WNBA offseason. She hasnt played overseas since 2022.
Being able to compete with the lights on, that to me is very exciting, Plum said. Figuring out new teammates and just adjusting, adapting, growing as a leader. Three-on-three is fun, you cant hide. In my experience in the Olympics and stuff, I really enjoy just going matchup-to-matchup, so for me its very exciting.
Several players highlighted the developmental opportunities that Unrivaled provided in its first season. Plum also expressed her desire to grow her game through the league, especially since there are only two game days per week. Despite expanding to eight teams, the league will not have any back-to-backs in 2026.
Plum cited her efficiency, passing and defense as skills to improve during the ten-week season.
As the first vice president of the WNBPA, Plum is aware of the significance of playing in Unrivaled at a time when the players union is bargaining for a new CBA with the league.
She commended Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart and Alex Bazzell for building a league that achieved a $340 million valuation after one season. Plum hopes the leagues continued success will put pressure on the WNBA to find an economic model that compensates its players more. Unrivaled paid the highest salaries in American womens team sports history (an average of $220,000) and provided equity to players. Almost all of the debut participants in Unrivaled are returning for a second season.
In addition to Plum, Indiana Fever star Kelsey Mitchell, 2025 WNBA Co-Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith and all-rookie team members Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron are also joining the league for the first time.
For now, Plum is excited to find another outlet to play high-stakes basketball after missing the playoffs in her first season in Los Angeles. Although she is not involved in the process of picking teams at Unrivaled, she has a dream squad in mind if she were to ever select players.
Are you kidding me? Im taking the Sparks, Plum said. Im taking Rickea (Jackson) and Im taking Dearica (Hamby), come on now.
Rae (Burrell)s my fourth man and Cam (Brink), Cam too. I probably cant afford Cam, but Cam. Im taking everyone. Azurá (Stevens), can I take Azurá? Thats six.
(Photo: Brett Davis / Imagn Images)
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
Los Angeles Sparks, WNBA
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