Kelsey Plum Takes Pay Cut to Rejoin Los Angeles Sparks

Four-time WNBA All-Star signs one-year, $999,999 deal to help Sparks build contender

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:12pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the dynamic movement and energy of a WNBA player, with their face and jersey details obscured by the bold, energetic brushstrokes.Kelsey Plum's bold pay cut to rejoin the Sparks signals her commitment to building a championship contender in Los Angeles.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 in line for the $1.4 million supermax but opted to take a pay cut to give the Sparks financial flexibility to build a title-contending roster for the upcoming season.

Why it matters

Plum's decision to take a pay cut reflects her commitment to helping the Sparks, who have struggled to make the playoffs for the past five seasons, turn things around. This bold move could give the team the resources they need to assemble a championship-caliber roster and end their playoff drought.

The details

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Plum, who recently made headlines with a stunning photo, is leading the charge for the Sparks' comeback. The point guard, who spent her entire career with the Las Vegas Aces before joining the Sparks last season, averaged 19.5 points and 5.7 assists in her first year with the team.

  • The 2026 WNBA season begins on Friday, May 8, 2026.

The players

Kelsey Plum

A four-time WNBA All-Star and two-time champion who is signing a one-year, $999,999 deal to return to the Los Angeles Sparks.

Los Angeles Sparks

A WNBA team that has struggled to make the playoffs for the past five seasons but is now determined to turn things around with Plum's help.

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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 discounted rate to give the Sparks financial flexibility to build a title-contending roster.”

— Shams Charania, ESPN Insider

“I think that every year you come back and you're playing on a great team, you're willing to sacrifice and do whatever it takes.”

— Kelsey Plum

What’s next

The 2026 WNBA season begins on Friday, May 8, 2026, and fans are eager to see if Plum's pay cut will help the Sparks build a championship-caliber roster.

The takeaway

Kelsey Plum's decision to take a pay cut to rejoin the Los Angeles Sparks reflects her commitment to helping the team turn things around and build a contender. This bold move could give the Sparks the resources they need to assemble a championship-caliber roster and end their playoff drought.