Kelsey Plum and Darren Waller have called it quits. The two athletes filed a joint petition for divorce tuesday in Nevada after one year of marriage. The Las Vegas Aces Point Guard and the NFL tight-end got married in March 2023. The two celebrated Plums WNBA championship together in October. Things obviously took a turn and the decision is an emotional one for the two of them.
Months of conjecture over Kelsey Plum and Darren Waller’s marital status have come to an end. The divorce petition has put a stop to and confirmed the speculation that has been swirling around. Talk of the couple being in a bad place started to ramp up when Waller uploaded a video on TikTok in January, where he lip-synced lyrics to a clip of The Delfonics’ “Think It Over.” Fans immediately thought something was up because of the lyrics of the song and Waller’s own mental health history. “When ya girl bout to leave you,” was the video’s caption. Waller said it was a joke, but there was clearly something going on.
Kelsey Plum Speaks Out On Divorce From Darren Waller
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 18: Kelsey Plum #10 of the Las Vegas Aces reacts with husband Darren Waller after defeating the New York Liberty during Game Four of the 2023 WNBA Finals at Barclays Center on October 18, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Kelsey Plum addressed the news on her Instagram Story. The WNBA star said in the story, “I’m devastated. I walked through fire for that man, but now I see it’s time to go.” She continued, “One day, I’ll share my story. Today is not that day.” There aren’t many details on the split except speculation. Furthermore, there will probably be more information once Plum or Waller are comfortable enough to discuss their divorce. Keeping it private is perfectly fine, but it looks like there was a lot going on behind the scenes.
Kelsey Plum is gearing up to defend the WNBA title with the Las Vegas Aces. There will be significantly more eyes on the WNBA this season with the arrival of Caitlin Clark. The WNBA kicks off this May. Darren Waller is currently on the New York Giants. Also, Waller is in the offseason, but before you know NFL training camp will begin. Ultimately, it’s a sad story to hear about a couple getting divorced, but it’s probably best for both parties to move on.
Griner is getting ready for her 11th WNBA season but is now discussing a difficult time in her life. She has now sat down and opened up about her experience being in Russsian Prison and the toll it took on her mental health. Griner revealed details about her journey in her memoir titled “Coming Home.” Additionally, Griner has now sat down for an interview detailing the 11 months she spent in prison. Griner spoke to Robin Roberts about the incident, which was an emotional discussion.
In February 2022, Griner was detained by Russian authorities for allegedly possessing cannabis vaporizer cartridges in her luggage. As a result, Griner was on trial for two weeks and was found guilty of possession and rug smuggling. Finally, The WNBA star was sentenced to nine years in prison. Griner was sent to a Russian labor camp to serve out her sentence. The U.S. government negotiated her release for months. Fortunately, Griner persevered through a terrible situation and is now comfortable enough to talk through her experience fully.
Griner discusses the circumstances she faced while being held in the video. Additionally, She gave details of her traumatizing experience. The Russian Prison deprived the WNBA star, of basic needs. She said her mattress “had a huge blood stain on it.” The prison did not provide basic needs like soap or toilet paper. Additionally, Griner says the entire experience was dehumanizing. She recalled her lowest moment, saying, “There was a huge knife sitting on the table, and I was just like, ‘No, this is going to be a ride.’ You gotta do what you gotta do to survive.” Thankfully, Griner survived and made it home.
Brittney Griner was released after the U.S. Government negotiated a prisoner exchange with Russia. Furthermore, She signed with the Phoenix Meurary when she got back to the United States. Griner averaged over 17 points and 6 rebounds per game in her return season. Additionally, Griner also recently announced she is expecting her first child with her wife, Cherelle Griner. Brittney Griner couldn’t be happier to be done with her troubles. Overall, Opening up about something so personal and traumatic takes a lot of bravery. The WNBA season kicks off Tuesday, May 14, and it is shaping up to be a great season.
Caitlin Clark is set to sign a massive deal with Nike. Clark is one of the most electric scorers in NCAA history and is the No. 1 overall WNBA draft pick. There was a lot of chatter about Clark’s WNBA salary when the Indiana Fever drafted her. The worries about her being underpaid will now hopefully stop. The reported deal Clark is about to sign with Nike is valued at over $28 million. The deal will give Clark the richest endorsement contract in women’s sports history. We knew the deal would be big, and Clark was getting a signature show from Nike, but seeing the numbers is something.
Clark became a household name in the past two women’s collegiate seasons, carrying Iowa to two final fours. The Iowa Hawkeyes lost to Dawn Staley’s South Carolina. Now, Clark is preparing to make her professional debut for the Indiana Fever. It seems like women’s basketball is revolving around Clark at the moment. The WNBA is hoping her popularity will elevate the league. If the WNBA does its part and Clark is half as good as she was in college, then they will be in good shape.
CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 7: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes dribbles the ball while being guarded by Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second half at the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament championship game between Iowa and South Carolina at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on April 7, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
Caitlin Clark’s deal is being reported as nearing completion. Those close to the negotiations have valued the deal at over $28 million. There has been no official word from Clark’s camp or Nike about the deal. Under Armor and Adidas were also in the running to sign Clark to an endorsement deal. As their highest-profile athlete, NBA great Steph Curry was a part of Under Armor’s pitch. Reportedly, Clark got offers of $16 million from Under Armour over four years and $6 million from Adidas over four years, both of which included a trademark shoe.
Clark earned a lot of money through her NIL deal while at Iowa. She made over $3 million as she played for the Hawkeyes. Clark’s team has been at work negotiating a deal since before her final season at Iowa ended. Clark has been the main factor in the women’s basketball surge. The Women’s NCAA tournament championship game beat out the men in the ratings for the first time, and Clark is a big reason for this. The WNBA is going to experience its highest-rated season, probably ever, starting this May.
Ice Cube became a trending topic on X after Caitlin Clark’s WNBA salary was leaked during the draft. Clark, who is one of the biggest names in sports right now, was drafted no. 1 overall by the Indiana Fever. She has brought an elevated level of popularity to women’s basketball this past collegiate season. Ice Cube had previously offered Clark a contract for his three-on-three basketball league, The Big 3. The deal Cube offered was apparently worth around $5 Million dollars. Many fans thought Clark should jump on the deal, seeing that it was only for a handful of games to earn millions.
When Caitlin Clark’s WNBA salary was revealed on social media, many new fans were shocked. They didn’t know the WNBA pay standards, and it caused quite a stir. Many looked at the deal from Ice Cube that Clark did not accept and thought it was interesting. Fans are looking back and saying maybe she should have taken the deal or hit up Ice Cube because the salary in the WNBA pales in comparison. He made a bid to try and make history and capitalize on one of the most hyped women players ever. Everyone is wondering if the Big 3 deal could still happen.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 13: Founder of the Big3, Ice Cube is seen during the Big3: Summer Of Fire at Little Caesars Arena on August 13, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Monica Morgan/Getty Images)
Ice Cube’s offer to Caitlin Clark looks pretty good now that we know her starting salary in the WNBA. The deal was worth up to $5 million and would allow Clark to still play in the WNBA. Additionally, she would be able to profit from merchandising as a form of additional compensation. Ice Cube said of signing Clark when news of the offer came out, “Why wouldn’t we? Caitlin is a generational athlete who can achieve tremendous success in the BIG3.”
Caitlin Clark will likely be okay. She has a lucrative deal with State Farm, among other endorsements. Clark has also recently signed a massive deal with Nike worth over $10 million, which includes a signature shoe line. Clark is fine and is going to work hard to grow the women’s game even more. Ice Cube was very smart in trying to snatch up Clark for The Big 3. It was a good business move, so you can’t blame him for trying.
Caitlin Clark is getting ready for the next stage of her career. The women’s college basketball star was drafted No.1 overall by the Indiana Fever on Monday. Clark is one of the biggest stars in sports and one of the hottest topics. Being one of the hottest names in the game seems to bring out some real weirdos. Clark recently had to block former NFL star Antonio Brown after he made various inappropriate comments about her on X. Unfortunately, it comes with the territory for big names, especially women in the sports space.
Clark also had to deal with an awkward interaction at her introductory press conference for the Indiana Fever. During Caitlin Clark’s presser, a reporter crossed the line and made comments that could be interpreted as harassment. In what was supposed to be a big day for Clark, the interaction became the major talking point from the press conference. Clark is looking to make an impact in the WNBA. She is important to women’s basketball and the increased visibility of the sport. Nevertheless, she had to deal with an awkward reporter.
Caitlin Clark laughed the comment from Indianapolis Star sports columnist Gregg Doyel off. The interaction has caused many fans to call it sexual harassment. The comments pretty clearly suggest the reporter was trying to come on to Clark, which is very weird. Doyel claims it was an awkward mistake in an apology to Clark. He also recognized he had become part of the problem that plagues covering women’s sports. it was definitely an awkward moment, and it definitely boarded on harassment, even if unintentional. The embarrassment Doyel must feel is probably punishment enough.
Caitlin Clark is making moves regardless of any awkwardness thrown her way. She is reportedly gearing up to sign a lucrative deal with Nike that includes a signature shoe line. Clark has been positioned as the face of women’s basketball. The WNBA wants her to be as successful as possible in order to keep that spotlight on the league. If they continue to ride this wave, then it might be a breakthrough moment for the league. The WNBA season starts in May, and fans cannot wait to see what Caitlin Clark does at the next level.
Caitlin Clark is one of the biggest names in sports right now. After appearing on SNL this past weekend, Clark was drafted no.1 overall in the WNBA draft. Additionally, Clark is reportedly preparing to sign a massive shoe deal featuring her signature shoe with Nike. The WNBA and women’s basketball are in the spotlight like never before, and Clark is the main reason. With popularity comes weird behavior on social media. Former NFL player Antonio Brown, known for being weird online, crossed the line recently.
Antonio Brown took Caitlin Clark’s introductory press conference for the Indiana Fever as an opportunity for jokes. brown made three different X posts about Clark, each very disrespectful and inappropriate. Most fans ignored the obvious cries for attention, and so did Clark, who did the smart thing and blocked Brown with the swiftness. Brown posts outlandish things for attention all the time, in part to stay relevant. Making inappropriate posts about Clark is just another attempt at inserting himself into the week’s hot topic.
Caitlin Clark smartly rolled her eyes at the situation and blocked Antonio Brown. Antonio Brown is no stranger to getting blocked. Tom Brady has blocked his former teammate for his behavior online. President Joe Biden has exercised the block button on Brown. NFL Player Damar Hamlin has also recently had to block brown after an online altercation. Even during his football career, Brown regularly crossed the line. Now, it’s how he stays relevant. It’s best to pay him no mind if you find yourself in his crosshairs.
Despite the harassment, Clark is making waves. Clark is one of the most popular names in sports and is elevating women’s basketball popularity. The WNBA has a lot riding on Clark as the season is set to start soon, in May. Fans of Clark’s exploits at Iowa can’t wait to see if she dominates the WNBA as she did in college. it’s going to be tough; the WNBA is no joke, but her talent is undeniable. Clearly, nothing is going to distract Clark on her journey. Especially someone taking low blows online like Antonio Brown.
Caitlin Clark is the most hyped rookie in WNBA history. After a historic college career and appearing on Saturday Night Live, Clark was drafted no.1 overall in the WNBA draft Monday night by the Indiana Fever. She has yet to appear professionally on court, but when she does, it will be in her signature shoe. It’s been reported that Clark is nearing an endorsement deal worth upwards of 8 figures with Nike. Additionally, Nike sponsored Clark’s College team at The University of Iowa.
Undoubtedly, Clark has brought an unprecedented level of hype to women’s basketball. The championship game that saw Caitlin Clark and her Iowa Hawkeyes face off against South Carolina blew the men’s championship game out of the water ratings-wise. With her Steph Curry-like shooting ability and court vision, the hype is well-earned. Clark is the next best thing in the women’s game and the player that might usher in a new era for the WNBA. Clark’s Salary shocked fans unfamiliar with the WNBA. Clearly, they never had anything to worry about concerning Clark because she was about to get paid.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 15: Caitlin Clark poses with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected first overall pick by the Indiana Fever during the 2024 WNBA Draft at Brooklyn Academy of Music on April 15, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Caitlin Clark will be getting her own signature show. She joins the New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart. Apparently, Under Armor and Adidas pursued Clark, ultimately losing out to Nike. Under Armor representative Steph Curry was repeatedly involved in trying to secure Clark’s signature and sell her on the brand. Nevertheless, Nike beat out its competitors for the hottest name in women’s sports right now. We can’t wait to see what they cook up for Clark’s signature shoe.
A lot is riding on Caitlin Clark in the WNBA. She is part of a stacked draft class with other stars in their own right, like Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. The future of the league is looking bright, and expectations for Clark are at an all-time high. Furthermore, Her popularity will certainly shine a light on a league that is still growing. The WNBA is a grind, and it takes a lot for rookies to impact the court. Despite the grind, all eyes will be on Clark to see if her college game translates to the pros. The back-to-back National Player of the Year will star for the Indiana Fever in May.
Caitlin Clark was drafted by the Indiana Fever with the number one pick in the WNBA draft Monday night. The most decorated woman in college sports has been must-see TV in college, where she starred for Iowa. Now she has all eyes on her and the WNBA, leading a stacked draft class and, hopefully, a boom in popularity for the league. Clark led Iowa to the national championship game, where the Hawkeyes lost to South Carolina. The final game was the first time the women’s tournament got more viewers than the men’s, and Clark was the biggest reason.
It is well known that the WNBA isn’t at the NBA’s level when it comes to salaries. Moreover, it’s a league that is still young and growing. Caitlin Clark’s rookie contract was revealed during the draft, and the numbers were startling for such a big star. Fans and those tuning in due to the popularity of the recent women’s NCAA tournament were shocked. Nevertheless, it’s a reminder of how far the WNBA still has to go.
Caitlin Clark’s salary pales in comparison to her NBA counterparts. Many fans were in disbelief at how much that salary is for such a famous and generationally talented player. Those unfamiliar with the grind of the WNBA are in for a reality check. Many longtime fans are excited about Clark and players like Angel Reese because of their potential to draw eyes to the women’s game. More eyes and better ratings equal more money, which is why the league is pushing its newest star so heavily. It is still shocking to see it spelled out so clearly.
Caitlin Clark is ok, though. If you watched the draft, you probably saw her in at least three different commercials. The NIL rules in college allowed stars like Clark and Reese to make money off their talent. Her WNBA salary is probably pocket change compared to her endorsement deal with State Farm. Many WNBA players go overseas to play when the season is over to make significantly more money. Caitlin Clark has put a big spotlight on the WNBA. A lot is riding on her success at the next level.
One of the most common complaints that have plagued the WNBA in recent years is charter flights. Prior to 2019, all WNBA team flights were done commercially. This often meant long and convoluted travel times for players. In 2018, the Las Vegas Aces lost an entire travel day due to canceled and rescheduled flights. To make matters worse, the league came down heavily on teams that gave its players charter flights. In 2022, the New York Liberty were fined $500,000 for unauthorized charter flights.
Things have incrementally improved under Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. Upon taking the commissioner role in 2019, she implemented charter flights for playoff games where a team would have to cross multiple time zones in a day. In 2022, charter flights were applied to the entire WNBA finals and the visiting team of the Commissoner’s Cup. However, the issue is still a pertinent one. Tennessee center Tamari Key went as far as to cite the issue as part of the reason she was returning to college for another year. The league has been resistant to allow charters, citing a desire for “competitive balance”.
WNBA Approves Charters For Back-To-Backs
The WNBA announces the expansion of charter flights programs for players this 2023 season
In a press release ahead of the 2023 WNBA Draft, the WNBA announced that charter flights would once again be expanded. According to the release, the WNBA would allow teams to arrange charters in the event of games on back-to-back days. Charter flights would also be available for the entirety of the playoffs. However, it’s not the sweeping change players were hoping for. There are just five instances of a team playing back-to-back games during the 2023 season. Furthermore, Engelbert told the Associated Press that the policy would be re-evaluated ahead of the Olympics-impacted 2024 season.
The move is a sign of growth and change for the league, but for many, it’s not enough. Many experts have pointed to much more substantial growth of the NWSL, the nation’s premier women’s soccer league, in comparison. Furthermore, with potential WNBA talent like Key citing charters as a reason to stay away from the league, it could quickly become a league-threatening issue. But for now, the WNBA appears content with its limited expansion of charter flights.
Brittney Griner, 32, who was detained at airport security near Moscow, Russia, is making her return to the WNBA. With a $165.100 free-agent contract with the team she played for prior to her arrest, Phoenix Mercury, Griner is eager to get back on the court, taking to Instagram to talk about her intentions, “I also want to make one thing very clear: I intend to play basketball for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury this season, and in doing so, I look forward to being able to say ‘thank you’ to those of you who advocated, wrote, and posted for me in person soon.”
8X All-Star and 2X Olympic Gold Medalist Has Nine Seasons on Her Back
TOPSHOT – France’s Sandrine Gruda (R) dribbles the ball past USA’s Brittney Griner in the women’s preliminary round group B basketball match between France and USA during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. (Photo by Aris MESSINIS / AFP) (Photo by ARIS MESSINIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Griner is a name to know. Being an 8X WNBA All-Star and 2X Olympic Gold Medalist, Griner has made her skill known in the basketball world. Averaging 20.5 points per game with 9.5 assists in her 2021 season with Phoenix, center player Griner was a first round, first pick for her team. With nine seasons on her back, Griner averages 17.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists overall.
Leading her Baylor College basketball team to a 2012 championship, Griner became the NCAA’s only player to score 2,000 points with 500 defensive blocks. With many accolades like Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, ESPYs Best Female Athlete Award, and becoming a 3X All American Basketball Player, it’s no wonder Griner was able to again lead her Olympic team to victory in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Then again in the 2020 Tokyo, Japan Olympics.
Griner’s new contract with the WNBA will have her starting with Phoenix Mercury in the 2023 season for their first game against Los Angeles Sparks on May 19th. WNBA Commissioner Cathey Engelbert told Poppy Harlow on CNN This Morning Show, “I met with her in Phoenix. Britney is doing remarkably well, and she’s starting to train. We’re so excited to have her back in the league after an awful ordeal.”
Griner Becomes First LGBTQ Member to SignNike Endorsement Deal
TOKYO, JAPAN August 2: Brittney Griner #15 of the United States during team warm up before the France V USA Preliminary Round Group B Basketball Women match at the Saitama Super Arena during the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games on August 2, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
Being the first LGBTQ member to sign an endorsement deal with Nike, Griner has paved the way for many men and women who support the cause as well. In a 2019 interview with People Magazine, Griner explained her feelings on coming out as a lesbian in the WNBA saying, “People tell me I’m going to break the barrier and trailblaze. I just kind of look at it like, I’m just trying to help out, I’m just trying to make it not as tough for the next generation.”
Griner Takes to Instagram to Speak on Her Return to US and WNBA
Griner Has Been Met With Support By Her WNBA Family
(L-R) Brittney Griner #42, Skylar Diggins-Smith #4, Diana Taurasi #3, Shey Peddy #5, Brianna Turner #21 and head coach Sandy Brondello of the Phoenix Mercury during a timeout in Game Three of the 2021 WNBA semifinals. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Griner has received nothing but positivity from her WNBA family. Jim Pitman, General Manager of Phoenix Mercury announced on Griner’s signing day for the 2023 season saying, “It’s a great day for all of us to announce that Brittney Griner has officially signed to play for the Mercury in 2023. We missed BG every day that she was gone and, while basketball was not our primary concern, her presence on the floor, in our locker room, around our organization, and within our community was greatly missed.”
Griner also received backing from Phoenix Mercury President of Business Operations saying, “I do not think any of us will forget where we were on Dec. 8 when we heard BG was coming home or on Dec. 15 when she announced she intended not only to play basketball in 2023 but that it would be for the Mercury. And I know none of us will ever forget what it will feel like to welcome her back onto her home floor on May 21. To know BG is to love and appreciate BG, and we can’t wait to show her that in person with thousands and thousands of her biggest supporters exactly three months from today at our Welcome Home Opener.”
The Return of Griner in the 2023 WNBA Season
Brittney Griner #15 of Team United States shoots against Japan during the second half of a Women’s Preliminary Round Group B game on day seven of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Also, a member of the 11 women who have won an Olympic, World Cup, and both WNBA and NCAA title, Griner continues to push forward in the WNBA as she overcomes her previous detainment. If not for trading Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout in December 2022, Griner would still be detained in Russia for her original nine-year sentence. However, Griner remains on US soil with her wife, Cherelle Griner, 30, and WNBA family, preparing herself for the 2023 season with Phoenix Mercury.
” at Caitlin Clark 
