When it comes to calling out injustices, Kelsey Plum doesn’t sit courtside — she storms the court. The Las Vegas Aces star and 2x WNBA champ served a verbal fast break to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert during the 2023 All-Star weekend, demanding that all WNBA players receive tickets to the league’s marquee event.
Plum’s Twitter fingers were on fire as she sent out a direct and spicy tweet:
“ALL WNBA players should get a ticket to the all-star game/skills challenge, I’m sick of my people being treated second class. The league gotta be better, there is no excuse. @CathyEngelbert I’m sure we can fix this before the weekend…”
Talk about shooting your shot! While some players prefer to stay diplomatic, Plum went full court press. She didn’t just aim for the basket; she went for a buzzer-beating three-pointer. And frankly, she wasn’t wrong. How can a league celebrate its finest without inviting the entire squad to the party?
Aces Unite in the Battle for Basic Dignity
Plum wasn’t alone in her social media crusade. Fellow Las Vegas Aces teammate Alysha Clark also chimed in with her own plea to Engelbert. The Aces, boasting four All-Stars that year — Kelsey Plum, A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young — were already making waves. Drafted to the same All-Star team by co-captain Wilson, the quartet seemed poised to dominate on the court and off it.
While Engelbert didn’t comment publicly, you could almost hear the collective sigh of league officials scrambling to fix what should have been a slam dunk in the first place.
From the Hardwood to the Hard Stance
Plum’s sharp words weren’t her only headline-worthy moment of the year. Just last week, she announced her withdrawal from the inaugural season of the much-hyped 3-on-3 ‘Unrivaled’ league. The move shocked fans, as Plum had initially been one of the faces promoting the new competition.
“I’ve decided to not take part in the inaugural season of Unrivaled to take some more time for myself this offseason. I appreciate the league’s understanding and being so accommodating. I wish the league and all the players nothing but the best and I’m excited to watch!”
Plum’s decision added fuel to debates about player workload, mental health, and burnout in professional sports. After playing 44 games in the 2024 WNBA season (including playoffs) and clinching Olympic gold with Team USA in Paris, it’s safe to say Plum has more than earned some time on the bench.
The Aces’ Rollercoaster Season
Despite a commendable effort, the Las Vegas Aces fell short of championship glory in 2024, bowing out in the semifinals against the New York Liberty. Plum, ever the sharpshooter, averaged an impressive 17.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. Unfortunately for the Aces, the Liberty had other plans, claiming their first WNBA title and leaving Las Vegas to plot their revenge next season.
Final Thoughts
Kelsey Plum’s boldness — whether on the court or on social media — is as refreshing as a fast break slam dunk. Her fiery call-out wasn’t just about tickets; it was about respect, recognition, and the principle of treating players as the league’s beating heart.
As the WNBA continues to grow, moments like this remind us why stars like Plum are vital. They don’t just play the game; they fight for its soul. And if the league can’t hear her now, it might be time for Commissioner Engelbert to clean her ears — or risk another Plum-like fast break.
Next time the league hosts an All-Star game, here’s hoping the only thing players have to worry about is what outfit to wear, not whether they’ll get through the door.
