Los Angeles Sparks star Kelsey Plum decided to back out of the first season of Unrivaled but is relishing the opportunity to take to the court in the competition
Kelsey Plum has opened up on her Unrivaled decision(Image: Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
WNBA star Kelsey Plum has opened up on her decision to join the second season of Unrivaled after backing out of the inaugural campaign.
Los Angeles Sparks player Plum was named to the roster of the Laces for the new three-on-three competition a year ago but chose not to feature. It came as a major setback to Unrivaled after Caitlin Clark also rejected a big-money offer.
Speaking earlier this year, the 31-year-old said: “I’ve decided to not take part in the inaugural season of Unrivaled in order to take some more time for myself this offseason. I appreciate the league understanding and being so accommodating. I wish the league and all of the players nothing but the best.”
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The first league, co-founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, was won by Angel Reese and Rose BC with some star-studded names from the WNBA again signing up.
Plum will now link up with the likes of Aliyah Boston and Natasha Cloud with Phantom BC and she is relishing the opportunity to get started during the WNBA off-season.
“Last year obviously I wanted to play. It just wasn’t the right time for me personally, but definitely supported from afar,” Plum said.
“I got the opportunity to say yes this year and I’m super excited about it. I’m super excited … excited for the opportunity to get better.
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“So far my experience has been nothing short of amazing, just the resources here, attention to detail, really. There’s a lot of people that could take notes on just what they’re doing and how it’s just all in service of player, health, wellness, and performance.”
After pushing hard for Clark’s signature a year ago with a seven-figure deal, there were suggestions talks would continue this time around.
But having missed the end of the WNBA campaign through injury, the Indiana Fever star will again not take part as she steps up her recovery in time for next season.
Paige Bueckers will make her Unrivaled debut against Kelsey Plum to start the new season(Image: Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Plum and Clark meanwhile linked up during Team USA practice last week with the Sparks star delivering a ruthless reality check with an impressive bucket.
After confirming her decision to join Unrivaled, Plum added: “Being able to compete with the lights on, that to me is very exciting.
“Figuring out new teammates and just adjusting, adapting, growing as a leader. Three-on-three is fun, you can’t hide. In my experience in the Olympics and stuff, I really enjoy just going matchup-to-matchup, so for me it’s very exciting.”