Kelsey Plum Rejecting $220K Unrivaled Offer Finds Silver Lining in Historic National College Honor

Turning down $220K might seem unthinkable to most, but for Kelsey Plum, it was about something far greater than money. Plum, celebrated for her extraordinary talent on the court, made the surprising decision to skip the inaugural season of Unrivaled last month. While the newly formed league has tipped off with a lot of interest, the 2x WNBA champ has continued to do what she wanted this offseason – to give some time to herself. Arguably the best moment for her came last night in Seattle, Washington.

The retirement of her Washington Huskies No.10 jersey honors not just the records she shattered, but the legacy she created with the program. ESPNW’s Twitter post perfectly captured the essence of the moment, echoing the sentiment: “Once a Dawg, always a Dawg 🐾,” a fitting tribute to Plum’s unbreakable bond with her alma mater.

She described the honor of having her No. 10 jersey retired by the University of Washington as a moment of being “so blessed.” Reflecting on the achievement, she shared, “It just brings back so many memories,” highlighting the deep emotional connection she has to her time with the program. Though her career has soared in the WNBA with championships and Olympic golds, her years at Washington—where she shattered NCAA records and redefined excellence—remain the bedrock of her legacy.

Milestones like breaking the NCAA career scoring record (since surpassed by Caitlin Clark) and leading the Huskies to national prominence made her a household name. She still fondly remembers her early years at Washington, saying, “Coach (Mike Neighbors) didn’t give me the green light; he gave me the freeway when I got here.”

Kelsey Plum: Redefining legacy and leadership at Washington

Kelsey Plum’s time at the University of Washington wasn’t just defined by shattered records; it was about reshaping the culture of the program and inspiring a new standard of dedication and excellence. While her name will forever be in the history books, her impact at UW extends far beyond the stats.

Plum set records that once seemed out of reach: 57 points in a game, 912 career free throws, 1,109 points in a single season, and 3,527 career points at UW! “Her ability to be laser-focused is beyond anything I’ve ever seen,” said Coach Mike Neighbors, who admired Plum’s relentless drive to push herself—and everyone around her—to reach new heights.

From the beginning of her career, Plum was known for arriving early, putting in extra work, and constantly raising the bar for her teammates. “It’s hard to explain how one person can set the bar so high and lift everyone else with them,” Neighbors said. Her leadership played a crucial role in transforming Washington from a team with modest expectations into a national title contender. But her journey wasn’t without challenges.

As a freshman captain, she had to learn how to balance being an exceptional player with being a supportive teammate. Early struggles with her older teammates eventually gave way to a more mature and seasoned leadership style. “She became a great teammate,” Coach Neighbors said, acknowledging that this growth was a pivotal moment in Plum’s career.

Off the court, Plum’s advocacy for equal opportunities in women’s sports led to real changes for the Huskies. Her push for more resources, improved practice facilities, and a greater commitment to women’s basketball helped raise the program to new heights. “She was always thinking a step or two ahead of me,” Coach Neighbors recalled, emphasizing Plum’s forward-thinking approach and her dedication to shaping a better future for her team.

Kelsey Plum has been driven by a single-minded pursuit of greatness in every phase of her career, whether at UW, in the WNBA, or on the international stage. Her legacy, shaped by determination, leadership, and a relentless work ethic, is one that will inspire generations to come.