Aces G Kelsey Plum withdraws from the Unrivaled league

Las Vegas Aces star Kelsey Plum has decided not to participate in Unrivaled, dealing a blow to the new 3-on-3 women’s league set to debut on January 17th.

“I have decided not to participate in the first season of Unrivaled in order to take some more time for myself this offseason,” Plum posted in an Instagram Story on Wednesday. “I appreciate the league’s understanding and accommodation. I wish the league and all the players nothing but the best and look forward to watching!”

Plum had been named to the Laces squad, one of the league’s six teams. Other Laces players expected to take the field for coach Andrew Wade include Kayla McBride (Lynx), Alyssa Thomas (Sun), Courtney Williams (Lynx), Kate Martin (Aces) and Stefanie Dolson (Mystics).

Plum’s decision leaves the league three players short of completing six full rosters. Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark declined an invitation to participate after she was reportedly offered a seven-figure salary.

The Unrivaled season runs through March, with the next WNBA season scheduled to begin in early May.

Plum, 30, appeared in 44 WNBA games this season, including playoffs, and was a member of Team USA that won a gold medal at the Paris Olympics.

In 38 regular season games last season, Plum averaged 17.8 points and 4.2 assists and was named to the All-Star selection for the third consecutive year. In seven career seasons, she averaged 14.3 points and 4.0 assists in 235 games.

In addition to Unrivaled co-founders Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, reigning rebounder Angel Reese, second-leading scorer Arike Ogunbowale and several other WNBA All-Stars will also play, including Aliyah Boston, Jewell Loyd, Dearica Hamby, Kahleah Copper and Brittney Griner.

The games will be played in Miami. The total salary pool for the 36 players is more than $8 million, with players receiving shares in the league.

The Associated Press and Field Level Media contributed to this report.