The WNBA announced some major business news this week, as the league has finally reached a verbal agreement with the players union on a new collective bargaining agreement.
“We’re just really grateful to be able to come to a deal,” WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike said. “We’re proud of ourselves. And quite frankly, we always told you all we were going to stand on business, and that’s what this looks like.”
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The new deal with move the WNBA’s salary cap past $10 million, with minimum contracts pushed up to $300,000 and max deals surpassing $1 million.
But in other business news, WNBA star Kelsey Plum is getting ripped for an “awful” business decision.
LAS VEGAS, NV – JUNE 11: Kelsey Plum #10 of the Las Vegas Aces looks on before the game against the Minnesota Lynx during the 2024 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup game on June 11, 2024 at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/NBAE via Getty Images)Jeff Bottari/Getty Images
(Jeff Bottari/Getty Images)
Plum has become the professional female athlete to launch a verified AI digital twin. She thinks it’s necessary.
“The opportunity to have a twin that can connect with fans, with young people, people that love basketball, people that are just interested in sports. The range is endless,” Plum says. “It’s where we are in society, and I think you are either gonna get with it or get lost.”
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Plum created her twin in partnership with Talk2Me, an AI communications company that creates verified digital humans.
“[Kelsey has] moved things from a business standpoint. She’s moved things first from a cultural standpoint,” he says. “We need to find people who are willing to take the risk to go out there and do this. And she’s been willing to do it. And we’re very honored that she is.”
But Plum is already receiving pushback for her decision
Fans continue to cringe at AI-themed decisions.
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“Boooooooooo,” one fan wrote.
“Awful,” one fan added.
“She’s a clown,” one fan added.
“Oh this is going to get real weird real fast,” one fan added.
“I’m throwing tomatoes and rotten fruit,” another fan wrote.
“Despicable,” one fan added.
What do you make of Plum’s move?
This story was originally published by The Spun on Mar 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
