Las Vegas Aces Trade Franchise Cornerstone Kelsey Plum In Blockbuster Deal That Lands Jewell Loyd For Aces
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By Cassandra Cousineau, LVSportsBiz.com Las Vegas Aces Writer
LAS VEGAS, Nevada — The Las Vegas Aces pulled off their biggest trade in their franchise history here in Las Vegas by trading team cornerstone Kelsey Plum to the Los Angeles Spark while acquiring six-time WNBA All-Star Jewell Loyd, one of the W’s premier offensive players.
Plum is reunited with former Las Vegas All-Star Dearica Hamby in Los Angeles.
The Plum and Loyd parts of the trade were the blockbuster moves of the three-team deal that involved the Aces, Sparks and Storm.
The transaction comes amid the backdrop of the WNBA 2025 expansion draft, which saw former Aces rookie standout Kate Martin land with the Golden State Valkyries where former Aces assistant coach Natalie Nakase is now the head coach of the new Valkyries franchise.
A University of Washington standout and prolific college scorer, Plum came with the San Antonio franchise when MGM Resorts International bought the WNBA team and re-branded it into the Aces for the 2018 season.
From the start in Las Vegas, Plum joined another franchise overall number one pick, three-time league MVP A’ja Wilson, to form the foundation of one of the WNBA’s glamour teams, winning two championships in 2022 and 2023.
Here’s how the deal impacts each team and the league’s broader landscape.
Las Vegas Aces acquire Loyd and the No. 13 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft from the Sparks. The Aces’ acquisition of the Illinois native and Notre Dame alum inserts another prolific scorer, defender, and playmaker. Loyd, who averaged 19.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 2024, also brings her experience as a two-time WNBA Champion. The Aces lost to New York in the WNBA semifinals in 2024. New York beat Minnesota for the WNBA title.
Los Angeles Sparks gain Plum and the No. 9 pick from Seattle. Over the last four seasons in Las Vegas, Plum was a WNBA All-Star, Olympic gold medalist, and 2021 WNBA Sixth Player of the Year. She averaged 18.1 points on 45% shooting from the field and 39% from beyond the arc.
Seattle Storm secured the No. 2 pick in the 2025 draft and center Li Yueru from Los Angeles.
Plum’s move to Los Angeles isn’t just a game-changer on the court. It’s a significant shift for her growing brand.
Plum established herself as a marketable athlete with an impressive endorsement portfolio. Plum’s deals include partnerships with Under Armour, Google, Kingmakers Cigars, Target, Skims, and LegalZoom.
In 2022, Under Armour signed Plum to a multiyear deal after her breakout season as a starter for the Las Vegas Aces.
The partnership even led to the creation of the “All the Smoke” sneakers, cementing Plum as one of the company’s key athletes in women’s sports. Her endorsement deals with major brands like Google and Target further reflect her appeal beyond basketball.
Plum has also expanded her income through off-season play in overseas leagues, particularly with Turkish clubs Fenerbahce and Galatasaray. Those are all valuable assets as she moves to the media-rich Los Angeles.
As the 2025 season approaches, the Aces, Sparks, and Storm have made strategic moves that not only address immediate roster needs but also position their franchises for sustained success in the evolving WNBA. In October, the Aces also did not renew the contract of former general manager Natalie Williams.
