Kelsey Plum Appears to Mock Caitlin Clark Fan in Viral Video Before Sparks Game Against Sky

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Kelsey Plum, one of the WNBA’s most recognizable stars, is no stranger to controversy—and her latest encounter with a fan of Caitlin Clark has social media buzzing.

On Sunday, during a home game between the Los Angeles Sparks and the Chicago Sky, Plum delivered a solid all-around performance. She put up 22 points, grabbed five rebounds, dished out seven assists, and added two steals along with a pair of three-pointers. But it wasn’t just her box score that grabbed headlines.

A Viral Moment Before the Tip-Off

Before the game even started, a short video clip began circulating online—one that has since sparked a mix of laughter, outrage, and confusion among WNBA fans. The clip, reportedly filmed courtside, captured the moment Plum appeared to single out a fan wearing a Caitlin Clark jersey.

Instead of ignoring the fan or simply acknowledging her presence, Plum took a more direct—and cheeky—approach. She was seen handing the fan a different jersey to wear and reportedly told her, “Do better next time.” While the tone appeared playful, not everyone interpreted it that way.

The fan and Plum eventually posed for a photo together, adding even more complexity to the moment. Was it light-hearted teasing? Or was Plum taking a jab at Clark’s ever-growing fanbase?

Context: Plum vs. Clark – A Cold War Brewing?

To better understand the public’s reaction, it’s worth noting that Kelsey Plum and Caitlin Clark have had several indirect run-ins in recent months—mostly via media soundbites and fan speculation. Tensions between new stars like Clark and established players like Plum have grown more visible as the WNBA continues its rapid rise in popularity, thanks in part to the surge of fresh talent entering the league.

Plum, a three-time All-Star and Olympic gold medalist, has publicly voiced opinions critical of Clark and her teammates, especially regarding their silence during the All-Star Game’s social justice messaging. At that time, Plum criticized Clark’s team for not participating in the now-viral T-shirt protest that read: “Pay Us What You Owe Us.”

So, while the jersey swap incident might seem harmless on its own, it adds another layer to what fans are calling a growing “generational divide” within the WNBA.

Trending Now: The Social Media Backlash Begins

As is often the case in the age of viral content, reactions to the video were swift and polarized.

Supporters of Plum praised her humor and confidence. “She’s just keeping it real,” one user wrote. “If you’re at a Sparks game, maybe wear a Sparks jersey. Pretty simple.”

But fans of Caitlin Clark weren’t amused. “It’s petty and unnecessary,” another user posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Clark wasn’t even playing. Why drag her name into it at all?”

Adding fuel to the fire was the fact that Caitlin Clark had nothing to do with Sunday’s matchup. She was sidelined with a groin injury and had missed the last few games for the Indiana Fever.

Where Was Clark?

Caitlin Clark, who was named 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, has had a solid statistical start to her second season—averaging 18.2 points, 8.9 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game in her first nine outings of the season.

However, she was notably absent from the Sparks-Sky game and has been nursing a left groin injury that’s kept her out of recent action. She last played on June 24, where she recorded a season-low six points in a win against the Seattle Storm.

Following a Sunday practice, Clark told reporters she was feeling “good” but emphasized that her return would still be handled “day by day.”

“I’m doing everything I can to get back on the court, but I’m going to take it one game at a time,” she said.

Back to the Game: Angel Reese Shines, Sparks Struggle

As the video of Plum and the Clark fan spread online, the game itself offered another compelling narrative—this time courtesy of rookie sensation Angel Reese.

Reese exploded for 24 points and 16 rebounds, leading Chicago to a 92–85 win over Los Angeles. Ariel Atkins added 20 points for the Sky, who improved their season record to 5–11.

For the Sparks, the loss dropped them to a disappointing 5–12, including an abysmal 1–8 at home. Rickea Jackson, one of the team’s promising young stars, scored just six points in the loss.

Despite Plum’s standout performance, the Sparks couldn’t muster enough defensive stops to contain Reese and company.

Looking Ahead: Sparks Face Liberty in Upcoming Road Test

Los Angeles will attempt to turn things around as they head into a short two-game road trip, beginning Thursday night against the New York Liberty. That matchup marks the first of three regular-season games between the two clubs this year. Their next face-off will take place on July 26 in New York City.

Plum and the Sparks are undoubtedly feeling the pressure, and a strong showing against one of the top teams in the East could help shift momentum in their favor.

Final Thoughts: Harmless Banter or Something More?

The jersey-swapping moment between Kelsey Plum and the Clark fan has now become a symbol of the larger discussions surrounding the WNBA—its culture, its media spotlight, and how its stars are navigating the league’s newfound popularity.

Was Plum simply joking with a fan in good spirits? Or was it a subtle form of gatekeeping aimed at reminding Clark supporters that not everyone in the league is rolling out the red carpet?

Whatever the case, one thing is clear: moments like these, whether light-hearted or contentious, are helping fuel fan engagement in unprecedented ways.

And if this is what the WNBA looks like now, just imagine what’s coming next.