NOW VERIFIED: Kelsey Plum Cancels Pro Contract, Signs Historic $15 Million Deal with South Carolina Women’s Basketball Team

**Columbia, South Carolina –** In a move that has left the entire world of women’s basketball stunned, All-Star guard Kelsey Plum has officially turned down a multi-year extension from the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks and signed a groundbreaking 2-year, full-round, lifetime-direct contract with the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball program. The deal, confirmed early Thursday morning, is reportedly worth $15 million, making it the largest single-player contract in the history of collegiate women’s sports.

Plum, who has spent the last several years dominating the WNBA and capturing global attention with her dynamic scoring and leadership, is now heading back to college basketball—but not as a student-athlete. Rather, she is joining Dawn Staley’s South Carolina program as what insiders are calling a “hybrid player-mentor” under a newly established NIL-compliant, direct partnership with the NCAA Women’s Basketball (NCAAW) governing body.

The NCAA verified the contract early Thursday, calling it “a revolutionary framework that blends athlete influence, leadership, mentorship, and legacy-building in a college setting,” effectively opening the door to new forms of athlete participation and long-term investment in the women’s college game.

A Stunning Turn of Events

Just last month, Plum was expected to sign a four-year, max-salary contract with the Los Angeles Sparks after an impressive campaign with the Las Vegas Aces and a rumored trade negotiation. However, in a bold and unprecedented decision, she declined the offer and began quiet talks with South Carolina’s athletic department and coaching legend Dawn Staley.

The deal was finalized behind closed doors over the past two weeks and officially announced via joint statements from Plum, the University of South Carolina, and the NCAA. According to sources close to the negotiation, the contract includes multiple endorsement opportunities, media rights deals, and a stake in the Gamecocks’ brand development division.

“We Are Stronger and Better Together”

In an emotional press conference held at Colonial Life Arena, Plum addressed the media, flanked by Staley and South Carolina Athletic Director Ray Tanner.

*”This isn’t just about basketball—this is about legacy, power, and purpose,”* said Plum, wearing a Gamecocks hoodie. *”Coach Staley is more than a legend—she’s my hero. The opportunity to grow, build, and inspire from this platform is something I couldn’t walk away from. We are stronger and better together.”*

Dawn Staley, known for leading the South Carolina Gamecocks to multiple national championships and developing a powerhouse culture in the NCAA, was visibly emotional.

*”This is history. Kelsey is stepping into a role that redefines what leadership and excellence can look like in college sports,”* Staley said. *”She’s not coming here to go backward—she’s coming here to help push women’s basketball forward.”*

A “Lifetime” Impact Role

While Plum won’t be playing in official NCAA competition, her role under the terms of the “full-round, lifetime-direct contract” will include on-court mentorship, player development coaching, public appearances, and serving as a high-level ambassador for South Carolina Women’s Basketball and the NCAAW as a whole.

The deal is believed to be the first of its kind and has the support of multiple corporate sponsors, including Nike, Gatorade, and several national brands focused on empowering women in sports.

Reaction From Around the Sports World

The announcement has triggered an avalanche of reactions across social media and the sports community.

ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo tweeted: *“This is a seismic shift in the landscape of women’s basketball. Kelsey Plum is changing the rules—literally.”*

WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson wrote on Instagram: *“My sis Kelsey doing it BIG. Respect the vision, respect the move.”*

On the other hand, fans of the Los Angeles Sparks have expressed mixed emotions, some praising Plum’s decision to chase legacy over paycheck, while others feel disappointed by her departure from the pro game.

The Bigger Picture: A New Era?

The NCAA’s acknowledgment of the deal marks a potentially transformative moment for how former professionals and current athletes can collaborate with collegiate programs. While not returning as a student-athlete, Plum’s contract sets a precedent for other high-profile athletes to contribute meaningfully to the college game, beyond the traditional pathways of coaching or broadcasting.

Industry experts suggest this could also pave the way for college programs to engage retired or semi-active pros in meaningful leadership, development, and branding roles—essentially building superteams not just of athletes, but of mentors and visionaries.

Kelsey Plum’s tenure with South Carolina will begin this summer, with plans to host national clinics, launch a player leadership program, and appear in a docuseries chronicling the evolution of women’s basketball in the college landscape.

In her closing remarks, Plum smiled and said, *“I’m not done hooping. I’m just changing where and how I do it. I believe in college basketball. I believe in Coach Staley. And I believe the future of this game starts right here.”*

With a statement like that—and a $15 million contract to back it up—Kelsey Plum just changed the game forever.