Aces G Kelsey Plum backs out of Unrivaled league

Las Vegas Aces star Kelsey Plum has chosen not to participate in Unrivaled, dealing a blow to the new 3-on-3 women’s league scheduled to debut on Jan. 17.

“I’ve made the decision not to join the inaugural season of Unrivaled in order to give myself some more time this offseason,” Plum shared in an Instagram story on Wednesday. “I appreciate the understanding and flexibility of the league. I wish the league and all the players nothing but the best and I look forward to watching!”

Plum was set to play for the Laces, one of the league’s six teams. Other Laces players expected to participate under coach Andrew Wade include Kayla McBride (Lynx), Alyssa Thomas (Sun), Courtney Williams (Lynx), Kate Martin (Aces), and Stefanie Dolson (Mystics).

Plum’s decision leaves the league three players short of completing six full rosters. Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark declined an invitation to participate despite being offered a reported seven-figure salary.

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Unrivaled’s season will run until March, with the next WNBA season set to begin in early May.

Plum, aged 30, appeared in 44 WNBA games this season, including playoffs, and was part of Team USA, which claimed a gold medal at the Paris Olympics.

In 38 regular-season games last season, Plum averaged 17.8 points with 4.2 assists while securing her third consecutive All-Star selection. Over seven seasons, she has averaged 14.3 points with 4.0 assists in 235 games.

Alongside Unrivaled cofounders Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, reigning rebounding leader Angel Reese, second-leading scorer Arike Ogunbowale, and several other WNBA All-Stars are expected to play, including Aliyah Boston, Jewell Loyd, Dearica Hamby, Kahleah Copper, and Brittney Griner.

The games will be held in Miami. The total salary pool for the 36 players exceeds $8 million, with players also receiving equity in the league.

Information from The Associated Press and Field Level Media was utilized in this report.