Kelsey Plum Inks One-Year Deal to Stay with LA Sparks

Four-time WNBA All-Star takes pay cut to help team build roster

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:44pm

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A visually striking abstract painting featuring sharp, angular shapes in the Sparks' team colors, conceptually representing the strategic maneuvering and competitive energy of a WNBA basketball game.Kelsey Plum's team-first mentality will be key as the Sparks look to rebuild through free agency.Los Angeles Today

Four-time WNBA All-Star and two-time champion Kelsey Plum is signing a one-year, $999,999 contract to return to the Los Angeles Sparks, according to sources. Plum was eligible for the $1.4 million supermax but opted to take a discounted rate to give the Sparks more financial flexibility to build out their roster.

Why it matters

Plum's decision to take a pay cut demonstrates her commitment to the Sparks and desire to help the team contend for a championship. The Sparks have struggled in recent seasons, missing the playoffs, and Plum's willingness to sacrifice personal earnings shows her leadership and desire to elevate the team.

The details

Plum, 29, has been a cornerstone of the Sparks since being drafted 1st overall in 2017. She's a four-time WNBA All-Star and two-time champion, winning titles in 2018 and 2020. Last season, she averaged 16.8 points, 5.7 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game.

  • Plum's new one-year deal was signed on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

The players

Kelsey Plum

A four-time WNBA All-Star and two-time champion who has played for the Los Angeles Sparks since being drafted 1st overall in 2017.

Los Angeles Sparks

A professional women's basketball team that plays in the WNBA and is based in Los Angeles, California.

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What they’re saying

“Kelsey is a cornerstone of our franchise and we're thrilled she's decided to return on a team-friendly deal. Her leadership and talent will be crucial as we look to build a championship contender.”

— Karen Bryant, General Manager, Los Angeles Sparks

What’s next

The Sparks will now look to use the additional salary cap space from Plum's discounted contract to sign other free agents and round out their roster ahead of the 2026 WNBA season.

The takeaway

Plum's willingness to take a pay cut demonstrates her commitment to the Sparks and desire to help the team return to championship contention after a few down seasons. Her leadership and talent will be crucial as the Sparks look to build a winning roster around her.