“Do better”: Kelsey Plum calls out fan’s Caitlin Clark shirt in playful Sparks moment

Kelsey Plum knows how to keep the energy high — both on and off the court. During a recent Los Angeles Sparks home game, the WNBA star had a lighthearted but viral-worthy interaction with a fan repping Caitlin Clark gear in Sparks territory. What started as a fashion faux pas quickly turned into a feel-good moment, proving Plum’s charisma is as sharp as her jump shot.

A courtside correction with a sense of humor

On Sunday, June 29, during warmups for the Los Angeles Sparks’ matchup against the Chicago Sky at Crypto.com Arena, Sparks guard Kelsey Plum spotted a fashion emergency. Courtside, a fan was proudly wearing a yellow Indiana Fever t-shirt — not just any Fever shirt, but one repping rookie sensation Caitlin Clark.

Plum, never one to miss an opportunity for crowd engagement, walked over mid-warm-up — resistance band still strapped around her legs — and grinned at the fan. “You can’t be wearing that in the gym,” she said. “Do better.” Her tone was playful, not confrontational, and the crowd near the exchange chuckled at the good-natured teasing.

Then, in a gesture that turned a light ribbing into a memorable experience, Plum tossed the fan a fresh L.A. Sparks shirt. The woman laughed and slipped it on over her Clark tee, and the two posed for a smiling photo. It was a brief but striking reminder of the league’s growing culture of player-fan connection — and how stars like Plum are helping build it.

Rivalries, respect, and rising stars

The moment was all the more intriguing because it came just days after a bit of drama involving Plum and Clark during the Sparks’ June 26 win over the Indiana Fever. Although Clark was sidelined with a groin injury and didn’t play, she was vocal from the bench, animatedly engaging with referees and rallying her team. At one point, Plum appeared to call for a technical foul against Clark for stepping onto the court while protesting a call.

Clark’s presence — whether playing or not — has had a magnetic effect on the league’s visibility and intensity. The 23-year-old rookie’s meteoric rise has elevated ratings, ticket sales, and social media engagement across the WNBA. But that same spotlight has also amplified interactions — and tensions — with more established stars like Plum.

Plum, 30, a former No. 1 overall pick and Olympic gold medalist, has been outspoken about the need for equity in coverage and respect for all WNBA players, not just the newest arrivals. While her courtside joke on Sunday was all in good fun, it also gently reminded fans: this is Sparks territory — and this league is filled with talent worth rooting for, not just one name.

Leading by example, even in defeat

Though the Sparks ultimately lost the June 29 game to the Chicago Sky, 92-85, Plum led the team with 22 points and continued to demonstrate why she remains one of the most consistent and dynamic guards in the league. The Sparks dropped to a 5-12 record, hovering near the bottom of the Western Conference, but Plum’s leadership has been a bright spot in a challenging season.

Plum, who joined the Sparks in the 2024 offseason after years with the Las Vegas Aces, has embraced the challenge of helping revitalize a once-great franchise. The Sparks haven’t made the playoffs since 2020 and are still adjusting to a roster full of both new talent and high expectations. Despite the losses, Plum’s veteran presence and scoring prowess keep L.A. in every game.

Even in a rebuilding year, moments like Sunday’s show that the Sparks — and Plum in particular — are focused on more than just the scoreboard. They’re helping shape a culture, inspire fans, and create a game-day atmosphere that’s equal parts competitive and community-minded.

Honoring a legend and building a future

Sunday night’s game wasn’t only notable for its viral fan interaction. During halftime, the Sparks honored Candace Parker, a franchise legend and two-time WNBA MVP who retired earlier in 2024. Parker, who led the Sparks to a championship in 2016 and spent 12 seasons with the team, was celebrated for her lasting impact both in Los Angeles and across the league.

The ceremony served as a poignant reminder of the Sparks’ storied past — and the distance between that era and today. Since Parker’s departure, the team has struggled to regain its footing. But with players like Plum, Dearica Hamby, and a core of young talent, there’s cautious optimism that L.A. can once again become a WNBA powerhouse.

Next up for the Sparks? A July 3 face-off against reigning champions, the New York Liberty — followed by a much-anticipated rematch with Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on Saturday, July 6. Whether or not that fan keeps wearing her Sparks shirt, the rivalry — and the fun — is just getting started.