Kelsey Plum is warming up to her new franchise. In saying “Vegas will always hold a special place in my heart,” she closed a glorious chapter on the first of this month. The LA Sparks have introduced her now, with plans in store and an opportunity to lead; something Plum’s more than eager to get on. It is proving to be just the perfect setting for the 2x champion, thus letting memories of the past to begin settling in the background.

Following her introduction on Wednesday, Moreau Sports Media shared Kelsey Plum’s thoughts regarding her new franchise on X. “They have not just met but exceeding my expectations. I’ve been treated better than I ever been as a WNBA player. It’s been first class,” she says. Ouch.

Plum has spent six years with the Aces, earning three All-Star selections, WNBA Sixth Player of the Year honor, 2 championships, and an All-WNBA First Team select. She’d also experience the franchise’s $40 million, 64,000 square-foot facility with two basketball courts, weight rooms, training rooms, a film room, a player lounge, a family room, locker rooms, and a lot more. But for Plum, who made no mention of the Aces throughout the press conference, seems like it was more than just amenities and gains. 

LA Sparks is laying emphasis on Plum more than she has likely experienced before. Raegan Pebley has made clear just how crucial the former Aces star is going to be for the team, noting “all roads pointed to Kelsey,” ahead of the free agency.

“She is about the work and holding herself to an accountability standard that really influences and inspires everyone else to do the same. And we knew we needed someone like that, not just in our backcourt, but in our locker room, in our city,” Pebley adds.

Plum has herself made it known that she is excited to take on the opportunity of a leader, something she wouldn’t have an opportunity at with the Aces. So there’s a clear distinction between the positions she has held at the two franchises, owning to her remarks. Moreover, the Sparks are also in works to build a new practice facility to invest in the future of women’s basketball in Los Angeles. Plum is proud of the direction and is eager to make it a hub of the new wave.

The first steps, she begins in a few months’ time.

Sparks offer more than ‘home town’ appeal for Kelsey Plum

“I would say I’m still that kid. It’s a full-circle moment. I feel so grateful,” Plum said at her introductory press conference. Kelsey Plum’s journey to the Los Angeles Sparks feels like destiny. As a kid, she’d make the drive from San Diego with her mom to watch Sparks’ games. Now, she’s suiting up for the very team she grew up admiring.

For Plum, the move to LA wasn’t just about basketball—it was about alignment. “The vision Coach [Lynne Roberts] had…from the beginning, the tone was set,” she shared. “Her style matches perfectly with my skill set. The talent of what they already have and what they needed. I’ve been chomping at the bit to lead and get to show who I am as a player.”

The Sparks’ commitment to building a winning culture sealed the deal. They’ve been busy this offseason, constructing a new practice facility and making key roster moves, like reuniting Plum with her former Aces teammate Dearica Hamby. “We’ve always had a great connection,” Plum said. “Playing together, it’s just a different level of pace. I’m super excited to get back to that.”

With her leadership and the Sparks’ vision, this could be the start of something special. LA’s kid is home, and she’s ready to shine.