Los Angeles Sparks star Kelsey Plum has officially signed on to compete in the second season of Unrivaled Basketball.
The women’s three-on-three league, founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, announced her addition on Wednesday.
Plum’s commitment is significant because she had initially planned to play last year but pulled out before the debut season began. She explained then that she needed more time away from the court to focus on her well-being.
“Last year wasn’t the time for me to play, I just needed to rest, just really reset,” Plum said, according to The Athletic. “I’m in a different place in my life now and I’m just really excited to go out to Miami and ball out.”
Unrivaled is a unique full-court three-on-three league that has quickly gained traction. Its launch season in 2025 attracted attention by paying record salaries and giving players equity, setting new standards in women’s professional sports.
Plum watched from the sidelines during that first year, observing the pace of play and level of competition. After seeing how it unfolded, she felt ready to join in 2026.
“Being able to compete with the lights on, that to me is very exciting,” Plum said. “Three-on-three is fun, you can’t hide. I really enjoy just going matchup-to-matchup.”
The league plays a compact schedule of two game days per week across ten weeks, giving athletes a chance to stay sharp without the grind of overseas commitments. For Plum, who hasn’t played internationally since 2022, Unrivaled provides a competitive outlet during the WNBA offseason.
Kelsey Plum’s Impact on the Sparks
Plum arrives to Unrivaled after an impressive first year in Los Angeles. She averaged nearly 20 points along with five assists per game, helping the Sparks improve their record from 8-32 in 2024 to 21-23 in 2025. Her leadership was also evident, as she energized fans and teammates while setting higher expectations for the franchise.
Her addition is a major win for Unrivaled, which is entering its second season with more teams and more star players. Alongside Plum, new names such as Kelsey Mitchell, Alanna Smith and Kiki Iriafen are also set to make their debut in the league.
Beyond the court, Plum’s choice to join Unrivaled comes at a time when WNBA players are negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement. As a vice president of the WNBPA, she understands the larger meaning of alternative leagues gaining ground.
Unrivaled’s financial model, with top salaries and shared ownership opportunities, has already put pressure on the WNBA to raise its standards. For players like Plum, it is both a chance to compete and a statement about the value of women’s basketball.
“This is the right time,” Plum said. “I’m excited to grow as a leader and keep challenging myself.”
