Kelsey Plum Withdraws from Inaugural Unrivaled Basketball League Season
Kelsey Plum, a star guard for the Las Vegas Aces, announced she will not participate in the inaugural season of the Unrivaled basketball league. Plum is a two-time WNBA champion and a three-time All-Star. She explained her decision in an Instagram story, stating she needs more time for herself. She expressed gratitude to the league for their understanding and support.
The Unrivaled league will begin on January 17 in Miami. It features 33 WNBA players divided into six teams. Each team will play three nights a week for eight weeks.
Before her withdrawal, Plum was set to play for the Laces Club, coached by Andrew Wade. Her teammates included notable players such as Kayla McBride and Alyssa Thomas. With Plum’s exit, the Laces Club now has five players, while other teams, like the Lunar Owls and Phantom, have wildcard spots.
Last season, Plum averaged 17.8 points and 4.2 assists over 38 games. In her seven-year WNBA career, she has averaged 14.3 points and 4 assists.
The other teams in Unrivaled include:
Vinyl Basketball Club
- Head Coach: Teresa Weatherspoon
- Players: Arike Ogunbowale, Rhyne Howard, Aliyah Boston, Jordin Canada, Rae Burrell, Dearica Hamby
Mist Basketball Club
- Head Coach: Phil Handy
- Players: Jewell Loyd, DiJonai Carrington, Breanna Stewart, Courtney Vandersloot, Rickea Jackson, Aaliyah Edwards
Lunar Owls Basketball Club
- Head Coach: DJ Sackmann
- Players: Skylar Diggins-Smith, Allisha Gray, Natasha Cloud, Napheesa Collier, Shakira Austin
Rose Basketball Club
- Head Coach: Nola Henry
- Players: Chelsea Gray, Kahleah Copper, Angel Reese, Brittney Sykes, Lexie Hull, Azura Stevens
Phantom Basketball Club
- Head Coach: Adam Harrington
- Players: Jackie Young, Marina Mabrey, Satou Sabally, Tiffany Hayes, Brittney Griner
Fans look forward to the Unrivaled league’s action despite Plum’s absence.