Kelsey Plum Takes Pay Cut to Help Sparks Build Title Contender

The All-Star guard agreed to a one-year deal worth $999,999 to give the team financial flexibility.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:08am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a WNBA basketball game, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors representing the strategic maneuvering of the players on the court.Kelsey Plum's selfless contract decision helps the Sparks build a championship-caliber roster through creative roster moves.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Sparks have re-signed four-time WNBA All-Star guard Kelsey Plum to a one-year contract worth $999,999. 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. The Sparks have also signed 2016 WNBA MVP Nneka Ogwumike and re-signed three-time All-Star Dearica Hamby this offseason.

Why it matters

Plum's decision to take a pay cut shows her commitment to winning and building a championship-caliber team in Los Angeles. The Sparks are looking to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020 after a dismal 8-32 season in 2024.

The details

Plum agreed to a one-year contract worth $999,999, leaving $400,001 on the table from the supermax she was eligible for. This move will give the Sparks more financial flexibility to sign other top-tier talent and construct a roster capable of contending for a WNBA title. The Sparks have already added 2016 WNBA MVP Nneka Ogwumike and re-signed three-time All-Star Dearica Hamby this offseason.

  • Plum re-signed with the Sparks on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • The Sparks will open their 2026 season against the Las Vegas Aces on May 10, 2026.

The players

Kelsey Plum

A four-time WNBA All-Star guard who recently re-signed with the Los Angeles Sparks on a one-year, $999,999 contract.

Nneka Ogwumike

The 2016 WNBA MVP and 10-time All-Star forward who signed with the Sparks this offseason after spending the last two seasons in Seattle.

Dearica Hamby

A three-time WNBA All-Star forward who re-signed with the Sparks this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“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 Reporter

“I guess I found that extra dollar,”

— Kelsey Plum

What’s next

The Sparks will open their 2026 season against the Las Vegas Aces on May 10, 2026, as they look to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.

The takeaway

Kelsey Plum's decision to take a pay cut shows her commitment to winning and building a championship-caliber team in Los Angeles. By sacrificing personal earnings, Plum has given the Sparks the financial flexibility to surround her with top-tier talent and contend for a WNBA title.