Sometimes the best decision a franchise can make is also the easiest. The Sparks did just that by bringing back All-Star guard Kelsey Plum. She has re-signed with the Sparks for less than the supermax. Shams Charania of ESPN was the first to report on the deal.
Plum had the option to sign a $1.4 million deal but chose to take less so that the Sparks could have the financial flexibility to sign other players. LA has executed other big moves this offseason, like re-signing Dearica Hamby and bringing back superstar Nneka Ogwumike.
The Sparks have also acquired Ariel Atkins in a trade that sent two-year player Rickea Jackson to the Chicago Sky.
With Plum sacrificing some money so LA can bring in these players, it’s clear everyone is aligned with the goal of winning now. Plum is back for another season and will have the option to see how 2026 goes and decide if she wants to commit to the Sparks long term.
Last season, Plum was the best player the Sparks had. She was an All-Star and averaged 19.5 points, 3.1 rebounds and 5.7 assists. Her debut with the team was also one of her best games. She scored 37 in a win over the Valkyries, demonstrating what was to come that season.
Now that the Sparks have their superstar guard back, they seem all but ready to begin play for the 2026 WNBA season with their starting lineup signed and ready to go.
This live story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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