Let’s chat about someone who’s making big waves in the WNBA and beyond: Kelsey Plum. You might know her from her dazzling plays with the Las Vegas Aces, but there’s a lot more to her story.
Grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let’s get into Kelsey Plum’s world and her impressive net worth in 2024.
Net Worth | $2 million |
Birthdate | August 24, 1994 |
Hometown | Poway, California |
High School | La Jolla Country Day School |
College | University of Washington |
WNBA Draft | 1st overall pick in 2017 by San Antonio Stars |
Current Team | Las Vegas Aces |
WNBA Accolades | WNBA Champion (2022, 2023), Two-time WNBA All-Star, WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Champion, WNBA All-Star Game MVP (2022), WNBA Sixth Player of the Year (2021) |
International Teams | Fenerbahce, Galatasaray |
Endorsement Deals | Nike, Under Armour |
Coaching Role | Graduate Assistant at University of Arkansas (2020) |
Personal Life | Divorced NFL tight end Darren Waller in 2024 |
Net Worth and Financial Insights
So, what’s Kelsey Plum worth in 2024? Her wealth is estimated at a cool $2 million. Let’s break down how she built this impressive fortune:
- WNBA Salary: Being a top player in the league comes with a solid paycheck. As per NBCdfw, in 2024, Plum will earn $206,000.
- Endorsements: Her deals with Nike and Under Armour are significant contributors. SportingNews reports that Plum signed with Nike after she was drafted in 2017, but later on in 2022, after her first All-Star season, she joined Under Armour.
- International Play: Playing for top teams in Turkey has certainly added to her earnings. Essentiallysports reported that Plum’s contract with Galatasaray in 2022 for 6 months amounted to $120,000.
- Coaching: While not her primary income source, her coaching role at the University of Arkansas adds another stream.
Early Days and College Stardom
Born on August 24, 1994, in Poway, California, Kelsey Plum seemed destined for athletic greatness.
With parents like Katie and Jim Plum—mom a volleyball player for UC Davis and dad an All-American football player in high school—it’s no surprise Kelsey had sports in her blood.
Her high school career at La Jolla Country Day School was nothing short of phenomenal. Averaging 19.9 points per game, she racked up a total of 2,247 points and led her team to the 2012 CIF Division IV state championship.
Recognized as a McDonald’s All-American and Ms. Basketball by CalHiSports, she had her pick of colleges. She ultimately chose the University of Washington, a decision that would set the stage for her legendary college career.
Record-Breaking College Career
Kelsey didn’t just play college basketball; she dominated it. At the University of Washington, she set the NCAA Division I women’s basketball all-time scoring record with a staggering 3,397 points.
One of her standout moments came on February 25, 2017, when she scored a career-high 57 points on senior night, breaking the NCAA record for points in a single season with 1,080 points.
Professional Journey and WNBA Success
Drafted first overall by the San Antonio Stars (now the Las Vegas Aces) in the 2017 WNBA draft, Kelsey quickly made her mark.
By 2021, she was named the WNBA Sixth Player of the Year. Her career hit new heights in 2022 when she was selected for her first All-WNBA First Team, named the WNBA All-Star Game MVP, and won a gold medal in Women’s 3×3 basketball at the Tokyo Olympics.
Oh, and did I mention she scored 40 points in a game against the Lynx? Absolute fire.
Championships and Endorsements
Kelsey’s talent and hard work paid off with back-to-back WNBA championships in 2022 and 2023.
Her success on the court translated into lucrative endorsement deals. Initially, she signed with Nike, but after her championship win, Under Armour swooped in with a deal that’s likely padding her bank account nicely.
When she’s not lighting up the WNBA, Kelsey has taken her skills overseas, playing for Fenerbahce and Galatasaray in Turkey.
It’s a common move for WNBA players to keep their game sharp and earn some extra cash during the offseason.
Coaching and Personal Life
In 2020, Kelsey joined the University of Arkansas women’s basketball team’s coaching staff as a graduate assistant.
Her insights and experience are invaluable to young players looking to make their mark in the sport. Off the court, Kelsey’s life has been equally eventful.
She married NFL tight end Darren Waller in March 2023. However, after a year of marriage, the couple filed for divorce.
Accolades and Honors
View this post on Instagram
Kelsey’s trophy cabinet must be bursting at the seams. Here are some of her notable accolades:
- WNBA Champion (2022, 2023)
- Two-time WNBA All-Star
- WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Champion
- WNBA All-Star Game MVP (2022)
- Gold Medal in Women’s 3×3 Basketball (2020 Olympics)
- WNBA Sixth Player of the Year (2021)
Final Thoughts
Kelsey Plum’s journey from a high school phenom to a WNBA superstar is nothing short of inspiring.
With her relentless drive, incredible talent, and smart career moves, she’s built a life both on and off the court that many dream of.
And there you have it! Kelsey Plum’s net worth, career highlights, and more, all wrapped up in a neat package. If you’re ever looking for a role model in the sports world, she’s a pretty stellar choice.