ANNOUNCEMENT: Aces’ Kelsey Plum Announces She’s No Longer Participating in Upstart Unrivaled League
ANNOUNCEMENT: Aces’ Kelsey Plum Announces She’s No Longer Participating in Upstart Unrivaled League
January 14, 2025 – Las Vegas, NV
In a surprise announcement that has left fans and the basketball community buzzing, Las Vegas Aces star Kelsey Plum revealed that she will no longer be participating in the newly-formed Upstart Unrivaled League, a highly anticipated professional women’s basketball league that launched earlier this year. The decision marks a dramatic shift in the landscape of women’s sports, with Plum citing personal and professional reasons for her departure from the league.
“I’ve given this a lot of thought, and after careful consideration, I’ve decided to step away from the Unrivaled League,” Plum said in an emotional statement posted on her social media platforms. “I’m grateful for the opportunity, but after discussing with my family, team, and closest advisors, I believe this is the best decision for me at this point in my career.”
The Upstart Unrivaled League (UUL), which launched with the goal of providing a high-profile, alternative platform for women’s basketball, attracted a great deal of attention after securing major sponsorships and broadcasting deals. Plum, one of the brightest stars in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and an Olympic gold medalist, was one of the league’s most high-profile signings when she agreed to play for the new competition’s Las Vegas-based franchise, the Desert Flames.
The decision to leave the league has sent shockwaves through the basketball world, especially considering Plum’s prominence and her recent role as the Aces’ standout leader, leading them to a WNBA championship in 2024. The 28-year-old guard had been viewed as one of the faces of the Unrivaled League, with her dynamic scoring ability and leadership style helping to draw attention to the fledgling league.
In her statement, Plum explained that her decision stemmed from the conflicting demands of her commitments to the WNBA and the desire to focus on personal growth. “I’m incredibly proud of the growth and progress of women’s sports, especially in basketball, but my heart and mind remain with the Aces and the WNBA,” Plum explained. “The schedule and commitment required by the UUL conflicted with my goals for my personal and professional future, and I realized that I need to take a step back to focus on what truly matters to me.”
While Plum did not go into specifics about her reasons, sources close to the player suggest that the intense physical demands of playing in two major leagues simultaneously may have taken a toll on her body. The Unrivaled League, while offering substantial financial incentives, has been criticized by some for its grueling travel schedule and its push for players to take on even more media commitments than they already face.
In a statement, the Unrivaled League expressed understanding and respect for Plum’s decision. “Kelsey is an extraordinary player, and we fully support her decision,” the league wrote. “Her contributions to the game have been immense, and we hope to see her continue to shine at the highest level in the WNBA. We wish her all the best moving forward.”
Despite stepping away from the Unrivaled League, Plum remains committed to her role with the Las Vegas Aces, where she is widely regarded as one of the top players in the WNBA. Fans of both the Aces and the UUL are hopeful that Plum’s decision may open doors for other players to make their own choices about the future of women’s professional basketball.
For now, the basketball world will have to wait and see how Plum’s decision impacts both leagues as they continue to shape the future of women’s sports.
