Sparks Extend Core Qualifying Offer to Kelsey Plum

The move gives LA exclusive negotiating rights with the star guard during free agency.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:19am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the motion and energy of a WNBA basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant colors like electric blue, fiery orange, and deep purple.The Sparks' move to retain star guard Kelsey Plum signals their intent to build a contender through strategic free agency decisions.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Sparks have extended a core qualifying offer to Kelsey Plum, their star guard who joined the team in a trade last offseason. The core designation gives the Sparks exclusive negotiating rights with Plum during the upcoming WNBA free agency period, which begins on Wednesday. The Sparks also extended qualifying offers to three other free agents - Rae Burrell, Julie Vanloo, and Alissa Pili.

Why it matters

Retaining Kelsey Plum is a top priority for the Sparks as they look to build a contender and end their five-year playoff drought. Plum had a standout first season in LA, emerging as one of the league's most dynamic scorers, and the Sparks are hoping to lock her up long-term.

The details

The core qualifying offer to Plum will start at the new WNBA supermax salary of around $1.5 million. While core designations are typically one year, the Sparks and Plum can negotiate a longer contract if they choose. The qualifying offers to Burrell, Vanloo, and Pili are for the league minimum of approximately $270,000.

  • The WNBA free agency period officially begins on Wednesday, April 10, 2026.
  • Monday, April 8, 2026 was the first day that WNBA teams could designate core tags and extend qualifying offers to free agents.

The players

Kelsey Plum

A star guard who joined the Sparks in a trade last offseason after spending the first eight years of her WNBA career with the Las Vegas Aces franchise. In her first season with the Sparks, Plum averaged 19.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.2 steals per game.

Rae Burrell

A free agent forward who the Sparks have extended a qualifying offer to.

Julie Vanloo

A free agent guard who the Sparks have extended a qualifying offer to.

Alissa Pili

A free agent forward who the Sparks have extended a qualifying offer to.

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What they’re saying

“Retaining Kelsey Plum is a top priority for us this offseason. She's an elite talent and a perfect fit for our team, and we're excited to have the opportunity to negotiate a long-term deal with her.”

— Vanessa Nygaard, Sparks Head Coach

What’s next

The Sparks and Kelsey Plum will now have exclusive negotiating rights during the WNBA free agency period, which begins on Wednesday. The team will also work to finalize deals with Rae Burrell, Julie Vanloo, and Alissa Pili, who all received qualifying offers.

The takeaway

The Sparks are clearly making Kelsey Plum a top priority this offseason as they look to build a contender and end their five-year playoff drought. Retaining Plum, who emerged as one of the league's most dynamic scorers in her first season with the team, is crucial to their plans.