The 2025 WNBA season is heating up with a fierce rivalry. On May 31st, Kelsey Plum returned to Michelob Ultra Arena to a warm ovation and a hug from former teammate A’ja Wilson. But once the game tipped off, it was all business, no sentiment, just a fierce battle between the Sparks and the Aces.
In fact, Plum’s former coach, Becky Hammon, had clearly devised a plan to contain her and nearly succeeded. Still, what the Sparks have done this season is undeniable. While they trail the Aces in franchise valuation by $75 million—$310 million for Vegas compared to $235 million for Los Angeles, they are more than making up for it on the court.
Kelsey Plum and Dearica Hamby lead the league with a combined 39.44 points per game, just edging out A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young, who follow closely with 38.14.
Dearica Hamby and Kelsey Plum are the highest-scoring teammate duo in the WNBA this season. Plum and Azurá Stevens are fifth, just ahead of Napheesa Collier and Courtney Williams:
1. SPARKS – DEARICA HAMBY & KELSEY PLUM (39.44 PPG)
2. Aces – A’ja Wilson & Jackie Young (38.14…
— LA Sparks PR (@LASparksPR) June 8, 2025
And May 31 gave us a perfect glimpse into this clash of styles. Wilson exploded for 35 points and 13 rebounds—her best game of the season, while Young added 26 and Chelsea Gray chipped in 15. The Aces started strong, opening with a 23-2 run that left the Sparks scrambling. On the Sparks’ side, Plum led the charge with 17 points, supported by Odyssey Sims and Hamby, but the early deficit was too much to overcome. The Sparks lost to the Aces 96-81.
Now, a rematch is scheduled for the 12th. While the May 31 game was Plum’s first return to Vegas since the blockbuster January trade that shook up the league, emotions ran high. Plum and Sparks coach Lynne Roberts both picked up technical fouls as tension simmered beneath every play. The Sparks fought back late, cutting the lead to eight in the final minutes, but the Aces held on, proving that when it comes to winning, business is business.
Speaking of business, the league is booming—attendance jumped 48% in 2024 to 2.4 million, with over 54 million viewers tuning in nationally. The average team valuation now stands at $272 million, with the New York Liberty hitting an all-time high of $400 million after a recent stake sale.
Still, that $75 million gap between the Aces and Sparks feels like a chasm. Vegas’ valuation reflects on-court success built on back-to-back WNBA titles in 2022 and 2023 and savvy business moves, while LA’s number signals a rebuild in progress.
Kelsey Plum Is Cooking: Sparks’ Star Ignites L.A.’s Season
But here’s the thing: the Sparks’ next matchup against the Aces is shaping up to be something special, especially after their recent 93-79 win over the Wings.
And Kelsey Plum? She’s on fire. The influx of new rookies into the league has only fueled her competitive fire.
Take Paige Bueckers, for example. She didn’t play in that game, but after the Wings’ win, she made sure to throw some playful shade at Plum. In a postgame clip, Bueckers pointed to the floor, taking a jab during the celebration. Plum’s reaction was priceless, smirking at the camera, she said, “You heard it. I’ll remember this day.” Then, laughing, she added, “Rookies talking s— is crazy. Your rookies are built different here.”
May 30, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum (10) drives past Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) in the fourth quarter of their game at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: c
The exchange was lighthearted, but on the court, Plum has been all business. That night, she notched nine assists and five rebounds, becoming just the fourth WNBA player this season to record nine or more assists with one or fewer turnovers—joining elite company like Courtney Williams, Skylar Diggins, and Alyssa Thomas.
In fact, right now Plum is having a career year, averaging 26.7 points and 5.7 assists per game while shooting a career-best 62.2% true shooting. With key players like Rickea Jackson sidelined, Plum’s influence on the Sparks’ offense is undeniable. Whether it’s finding Azurá Stevens in transition or setting up Dearica Hamby inside, Plum’s fingerprints are all over the team’s rhythm.
She’s also second in the league for minutes played per game at 35.7, just behind Rhyne Howard. For someone traded from Vegas in one of the offseason’s biggest deals, this workload and performance send a clear message: she’s not just fitting in—she’s taking over.
So when Bueckers fired that playful shot, she got a laugh—but also lit a fire. Because with the way Plum’s playing, she’s remembering everything—and coming for everyone.
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