Kelsey Plum Signs Discounted Deal to Stay With Sparks

Four-time All-Star takes pay cut to help LA build title-contending roster

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:10pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a WNBA basketball game in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the dynamic action on the court.Kelsey Plum's selfless contract decision empowers the Sparks to build a championship-caliber roster around her.Los Angeles Today

Kelsey Plum, a four-time WNBA All-Star and two-time champion, has signed a one-year, $999,999 deal to return to the Los Angeles Sparks. Plum was eligible for the $1.4 million supermax but opted to take a discounted rate to give the Sparks financial flexibility to build a championship-caliber roster around her.

Why it matters

Plum's decision to take a significant pay cut shows her commitment to winning and building a strong team in Los Angeles. The Sparks have missed the playoffs for the past five seasons, but with Plum's leadership and the addition of other star players like Dearica Hamby and Nneka Ogwumike, the team is poised to make a playoff push.

The details

The Sparks acquired Plum in a blockbuster three-team trade last February, and she went on to make her fourth straight All-Star team, averaging 19.5 points, 5.7 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game. Plum's new contract pays her nearly five times more than her previous $202,000 salary, but she is leaving over $400,000 on the table by not taking the supermax.

  • Plum joined the Sparks in a trade on February 1, 2025.
  • Plum's previous contract expired following the 2025 season.
  • Plum signed the new one-year, $999,999 deal on April 12, 2026.

The players

Kelsey Plum

A four-time WNBA All-Star and two-time champion, Plum is the focal point of the Sparks' future and their primary offensive leader.

Lynne Roberts

The head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks, who has guided the team to genuine progress despite missing the playoffs for the past five seasons.

Dearica Hamby

A key player who the Sparks re-signed to a $3.5 million contract as part of their roster-building efforts.

Nneka Ogwumike

A franchise legend for the Sparks who has returned to the team from the Seattle Storm as part of the Sparks' roster overhaul.

Cameron Brink

A new addition to the Sparks' roster, joining a frontcourt that the team has bolstered with high-profile signings.

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What they’re saying

“Four-time WNBA All-Star and two-time champion Kelsey Plum is signing a one-year, $999,999 deal to return to the Los Angeles Sparks, per ESPN sources. Plum was in line for the $1.4 million supermax but opted to sign at a discounted rate to give the Sparks financial flexibility to build a title-contending roster.”

— Shams Charania, ESPN Insider

What’s next

The Sparks will now focus on building a strong supporting cast around Kelsey Plum, with the goal of returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.

The takeaway

Kelsey Plum's decision to take a significant pay cut to stay with the Sparks demonstrates her commitment to winning and building a championship-caliber team in Los Angeles. This move will allow the Sparks to sign other star players and create a roster that can compete for a WNBA title.