Kelsey Plum is staying in Los Angeles after agreeing to a one-year, $999,999 deal with the Sparks, a team-friendly move that gives the franchise added WNBA free agency funds in 2026.
Plum was eligible for a one-year supermax deal worth roughly $1.4 million under the new CBA, but chose a smaller deal to create more room for LA to build around its veteran core. The structure additionally gives Plum long-term flexibility, allowing her to re-enter free agency as soon as next year.
The move says as much about the LA's direction as it does Plum's priorities. The Sparks spent the offseason bringing back veterans while also exploring roster upgrades via free agency.
Plum remains central to that push. In her first season with the Sparks, she led the team with 19.5 points and 5.7 assists across 43 starts. She earned another All-Star nod while carrying a heavy offensive load.
Before joining LA in 2025, Plum spent seven seasons with Las Vegas. There she won two WNBA titles and establishing herself as one of the league's most consistent guards.
Her decision to stay gives LA more financial room to keep scouting talent. The Sparks can now support Plum, Dearica Hamby, Cameron Brink, and a young lineup intent on ending the franchise's playoff drought.
Brink's return adds another layer to the narrative. The former No. 2 overall pick is now fully recovered from the torn ACL that sidelined her for part of last season, subsequently giving the team another key frontcourt piece.
The new CBA increased player leverage. However, it's also made short-term deals like Plum's more appealing for stars balancing earnings with roster control.
Regardless, the 31-year-old gives the Sparks both continuity and flexibility as Los Angeles keeps building toward contention in 2026.
