Kelsey Plum, the WNBA star, has candidly spoken about her past, navigating a high-profile divorce while embracing a revitalized career with the Los Angeles Sparks. After a storied tenure with the Las Vegas Aces, where she secured back-to-back championships, Plum’s move to the City of Angels in the 2025 off-season marked a significant turning point, both professionally and personally. Her former relationship with ex-NFL tight end Darren Waller remained a subject of public fascination, given their prominence in the sports world.
During the 2025 WNBA All-Star weekend, Plum, 30, openly addressed her marriage to Waller, notably quipping about still trying to remove a tattoo dedicated to him. “Girl, yeah, I got married and divorced,” she revealed, highlighting the ongoing personal process of moving forward from such a significant life event in the public eye. This honest admission resonated widely, offering a glimpse into the personal challenges faced by professional basketball players.
Plum’s personal revelation dovetailed with a broader statement made by WNBA players during the All-Star game warm-ups, where they collectively sported t-shirts emblazoned with ‘Pay Us What You Owe Us.’ This powerful protest underscored the stark disparity in revenue sharing, with WNBA players receiving merely nine percent of league revenue compared to the 50 percent enjoyed by their counterparts in the NBA. Her individual struggles subtly mirrored the collective fight for equitable recognition within women’s professional sports.
Months after Plum’s comments, Darren Waller, the former Pro Bowler, offered his own reflections on their separation during an interview on Breakfast Club Power 105.1 FM. Waller’s introspection centered on the crucial need for self-honesty and acknowledging his role in recurring relationship patterns. His admission provided a different facet to the narrative, emphasizing personal accountability and growth.
Waller articulated a philosophy of “getting honest or die lying,” stressing the importance of self-examination to align decisions with personal aspirations. He spoke of realizing the impact of past choices on his ability to make authentic decisions, acknowledging that significant life changes, such as a divorce, sometimes necessitate difficult conversations for the betterment of both individuals involved. His public statement aimed to convey a sense of mutual respect and the absence of hostility in their parting.
On the court, Plum has seamlessly transitioned into a pivotal role with the Sparks, showcasing her leadership and scoring prowess. She currently leads the team in both points per game (20.3) and assists per game (6.0), demonstrating her immediate impact as a veteran presence. Her efficiency is notable, shooting 40.9 percent from the field and 36.1 percent from beyond the arc across 26 games this season, coupled with strong rebounding and stealing statistics.
Plum’s adaptability has been a cornerstone of her success in Los Angeles. She shared insights with former NBA player Matt Barnes, explaining the humility required when stepping into a new role and the constant need to adjust her game. Whether it’s a high-scoring quarter, defensive lockdown, or playmaking for others, Plum emphasized the importance of being “super present” and not allowing external factors or past events, including her public divorce, to affect her on-court performance.
Meanwhile, Darren Waller’s professional journey took a different turn. After spending his 2023 season with the New York Giants following a trade from the Raiders, the tight end unexpectedly announced his retirement from the NFL at the age of 31. His departure from the sport has left a void, particularly for teams like the Miami Dolphins, who face a slim list of tight end targets. Waller’s decision highlights the physical and mental demands of professional football.
