Kelsey Plum reveals the biggest challenge of the WNBA’s rising popularity: “The more hate you are getting, that means you are doing something right” originally appeared on Basketball Network.
The WNBA has reached a pivotal stage where, alongside the rise of new stars, established players are also receiving increasing attention, both on and off the court. While this influx of visibility can be a significant advantage in terms of exposure and marketability, for some athletes, the sudden spotlight can feel overwhelming. A recent example is Kelsey Plum, who found herself the subject of scrutiny after she was seen drinking Crown Royal straight from the bottle in her hotel room.
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Even though she didn’t quite understand the root cause of the mockery, the Los Angeles Sparks guard viewed this as a sign that she is on the right path to stardom, especially if people are going out of their way to bring her down on social media.
Plum on the media attention WNBA players get
Having entered the WNBA in 2017, Plum is well aware of the league’s evolution, especially regarding public attention. She’s seen firsthand the years when the best efforts of elite athletes in the WNBA failed to garner the recognition they deserve. Now, with a surge in fan engagement and media coverage on all levels, Kelsey understands the difference that growth can make.
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As a result, in an interview with former NBA star Matt Barnes, the Sparks star embraced the league’s rising profile. However, she admitted that being mocked on social media for something as trivial as drinking straight from the bottle only reinforces her belief that she is getting noticed. According to Plum, if fans are focusing on such small details of her life, it is genuine proof that she is staying relevant and making an impact.
“I don’t know if it was the crown or me not using the chaser that bothered people. That’s just where I grew up; you just don’t chase. Shoot it, move on,” Plum said with a subtle smirk on her face. “In my career, when I first came into W(NBA), there wasn’t a microscope. Now with viewership, people are watching, casual tuning in, that’s what you want, right? The more hate you’re getting and the more pushback you’re getting, that means you are doing something right.”
Plum and other WNBA stars have a newly developed confidence
Interestingly, this new-grown mindset isn’t unique to Kelsey. Players like Chicago Sky’s sophomore forward Angel Reese and several others have echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that they will not alter their behavior or personalities simply to appease critics. Instead, they are using their platforms to express authenticity and inspire others to be confident in their own skin.
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It is safe to say that precisely this blend of confidence, individuality and defiance makes these players feel they deserve higher pay and greater respect. Despite the hate they may encounter, they continue to drive viewership, elevate the league’s visibility like never before and increase their individual fanbase.
Lastly, by Plum’s own admission, this new generation of WNBA players isn’t going to fold simply because they get mocked online unnecessarily.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 2, 2025, where it first appeared.