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The Unrivaled women’s basketball league is losing one of its marquee players before the first season starts.
On Wednesday, Las Vegas Aces star Kelsey Plum revealed in an Instagram story (h/t ESPN) that she will not be playing in the 3-on-3 league after all despite initially saying she would participate.
“I’ve decided to not take part in the inaugural season of Unrivaled in order to take some more time for myself this offseason,” Plum posted. “I appreciate the league understanding and being so accommodating. I wish the league and all of the players nothing but the best and I’m excited to watch!”
The veteran was a key part of Las Vegas teams that won back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023 and then appeared in 44 WNBA games, counting the playoffs, in 2024. She also helped the United States take home the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, which happened during the middle of the WNBA season.
She was slated to be a headline name on the Laces roster, which also includes Kayla McBride, Alyssa Thomas, Courtney Williams, Kate Martin and Stefanie Dolson.
The league debuts on Jan. 17 and will have six teams, although ESPN noted Plum’s decision means Unrivaled is three players short of filling out the six full rosters.
There are a number of headline players participating, including co-founders Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, as well as Arike Ogunbowale, Aliyah Boston, Jewell Loyd, Dearica Hamby, Kahleah Copper and Brittney Griner.
Players receive equity in the league, which has a total salary pool of more than $8 million.
Plum is one of the most notable players in the WNBA with a resume that includes two championships, three All-Star nods and two Olympic gold medals. She averaged 17.8 points, 4.2 assists and 2.6 rebounds last season.
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