Kelsey Plum has quickly become one of the standout players in the WNBA, especially as a guard for the Las Vegas Aces. Known for her competitive spirit and impressive shooting skills, Plum has helped the Aces reach new heights in the league. With her talent on full display, many fans are curious about her financial success and how much she’s earned during her time in the WNBA. Let’s dive into Kelsey Plum’s net worth, her career earnings, endorsement deals, and what her future might hold.
Kelsey Plum’s journey to professional basketball began with a remarkable college career at the University of Washington. During her time with the Huskies, she broke multiple records, eventually becoming the all-time leading scorer in NCAA women’s basketball history. Her incredible achievements made her a top prospect, and in 2017, the San Antonio Stars (now known as the Las Vegas Aces) selected her as the first overall pick in the WNBA Draft.
Being the number one pick came with high expectations, and Plum delivered. Her rookie contract, like most first-round picks, provided a solid start to her professional earnings. The standard WNBA rookie contract has caps on salaries, which means even the top picks start with a modest base. Still, her college success and first-pick status set the foundation for a promising career and potential endorsements.
Kelsey Plum’s WNBA salary has grown over the years as she established herself as a key player. During her rookie contract, she made around $50,000 per season, which is on the lower side compared to some other professional sports leagues. However, Plum’s skill on the court soon led to an increase in earnings.
In 2020, the WNBA and its players’ association reached a groundbreaking agreement that significantly boosted player salaries across the league. This new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) allowed top players to make more money, increasing the base salary for some star players to well over $200,000 annually. For Plum, this meant a noticeable rise in her pay, giving her and other elite players a fairer share for their contributions.
Today, Plum’s salary has reached the higher range for WNBA players, especially following her championship run with the Aces. She’s now among the league’s best-paid athletes, with her annual salary from the WNBA nearing $200,000. While this is still a fraction of what NBA stars make, it’s a positive step for women’s sports and a well-deserved income for her skills and hard work.
Apart from her WNBA salary, Kelsey Plum has managed to attract endorsement deals that add to her income. Sponsorships and brand partnerships are essential for WNBA players, as they often provide an income boost beyond the league’s standard salaries. Plum’s popularity, along with her dynamic playing style, has helped her secure a few notable endorsement deals.
Among the brands Plum has partnered with are some well-known names in the sports and athletic world. These partnerships have contributed to her net worth, although exact details about these deals are generally kept private. However, many analysts estimate that her endorsement earnings are significant, especially as the visibility of women’s basketball continues to grow. With social media, she can promote brands to a large audience, making her an appealing choice for companies looking to connect with basketball fans.
Endorsements are crucial for WNBA players because the league’s salaries, while improving, are still relatively modest compared to other major sports. For Plum, endorsement deals not only increase her income but also raise her profile and visibility, which can lead to more opportunities down the line.
Like many WNBA players, Kelsey Plum has also looked beyond the United States to boost her earnings. Many top WNBA stars play overseas during the offseason, where they can earn much higher salaries than in the WNBA. In countries like Russia, Turkey, and China, women’s basketball players are often paid substantially more, sometimes reaching seven-figure salaries for a single season.
Plum has taken advantage of these opportunities, playing internationally to increase her overall income. Overseas leagues appreciate players of her caliber, offering competitive salaries and additional perks, such as housing and travel expenses. While the commitment to play overseas can be demanding, it has proven financially rewarding for Plum and has helped her increase her net worth.
Based on her WNBA salaries, endorsements, and earnings from playing overseas, Kelsey Plum’s estimated net worth is believed to be in the range of $1 million to $2 million. This figure is likely to increase as she continues to build her career and take on more endorsement deals. Her recent success with the Aces, especially after their championship win, has only elevated her marketability and potential for future earnings.
Kelsey Plum’s financial success and rising net worth reflect the growing opportunities for women in professional sports. Her journey shows the hard work and dedication needed to succeed, but it also highlights the challenges many women athletes face when it comes to fair compensation. As more fans tune in and support the WNBA, the financial rewards for players like Plum are expected to grow, signaling a positive shift for women’s sports overall.
