The basketball world was caught off guard Wednesday when Las Vegas Aces star Kelsey Plum announced her decision to sit out the inaugural season of Unrivaled, the highly anticipated 3-on-3 women’s league set to debut in January 2025. Plum, who had been slated to headline the Laces team alongside WNBA standouts like Kayla McBride and Alyssa Thomas, cited a desire for more personal time during the offseason as the primary reason behind her withdrawal.
In an Instagram story post, the 30-year-old guard expressed her appreciation for the league’s understanding and accommodation, wishing the players and organizers the best while pledging to support Unrivaled from the sidelines. “I’ve decided to not take part in the inaugural season of Unrivaled in order to take some more time for myself this offseason,” Plum wrote. “I’m excited to watch!”
Plum’s Absence Leaves Void for Unrivaled
As one of the WNBA’s brightest stars, Plum’s participation in Unrivaled was seen as a major coup for the startup league. Her decision to back out leaves the Laces roster three players short, with organizers now scrambling to fill the void left by her absence. The development comes on the heels of another high-profile player, Indiana Fever phenom Caitlin Clark, also declining an invite to participate despite a reported seven-figure salary offer.
The loss of two marquee names is undoubtedly a blow to Unrivaled, which had hoped to capitalize on the star power of WNBA icons to draw fans and generate buzz in its first season. However, the league still boasts an impressive roster of talent, with co-founders Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart joined by the likes of reigning rebounding queen Angel Reese, scoring machine Arike Ogunbowale, and a host of other All-Stars.
Plum’s Busy 2024 Season and Olympic Glory
Plum’s decision to prioritize rest and recovery comes on the heels of a grueling 2024 campaign that saw her play in 44 WNBA games, including a deep playoff run with the Aces. She also helped lead Team USA to gold at the Paris Olympics, adding to an already jam-packed schedule.
In 38 regular-season contests last season, the three-time All-Star averaged 17.8 points and 4.2 assists per game, cementing her status as one of the league’s most dynamic backcourt threats. Over her seven-year WNBA career, Plum has posted averages of 14.3 points and 4.0 assists across 235 total appearances.
The Future of Unrivaled
Despite the setbacks, Unrivaled remains poised to make a splash when it tips off in Miami come January. With an eight-million-dollar salary pool and a player equity stake component, the league has attracted an impressive cast of WNBA luminaries eager to showcase their skills in the fast-paced 3-on-3 format.
As the debut season approaches, all eyes will be on how Unrivaled navigates the challenges of launching a new sports enterprise in an increasingly crowded marketplace. While the absence of stars like Plum and Clark may dampen some of the initial enthusiasm, the league’s long-term success will likely hinge on its ability to cultivate a compelling product on the court and connect with fans eager for more high-quality women’s basketball content.
For now, though, the basketball world will have to wait and see how Unrivaled’s inaugural campaign unfolds – and whether Plum’s decision to sit out ultimately proves to be a minor bump in the road or a sign of larger challenges to come for the fledgling league.
