At 28, the Las Vegas Aces guard was already at the peak of her WNBA career, averaging 20.2 points per game. Fortunately, she even got enlisted on the Team Wilson roster for the WNBA All-Star Game 2022. While giving a phenomenal performance to help Wilson record a 134-112 win over Team Stewart, Plum secured a record-tying 30 points.

As it was a hard-to-accomplish feat, Plum’s performance got recognition in the form of the 2022 WNBA All-Star Game MVP honor. Despite valiant efforts in her first-ever appearance, she received a trophy that wasn’t exactly commensurate with her efforts. Let’s delve deeper into the controversy around Kelsey Plum’s MVP trophy.

What’s the controversy around Plum’s MVP trophy?

The trophy WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert presented to the three-time All-Star was noticeably tiny. In fact, it was smaller than the past year’s All-Star MVPs like Maya Moore, Erica Wheeler, and Arike Ogunbowale. “Thank you, Chicago,” penned Kelsey Plum on her Instagram while posting a couple of pictures with her MVP trophy.

As expected, it did not take long for fellow players and fans to notice the disparity. Meanwhile, an X user by the name of Ballsack Sports, started off a rumor that the league purchased the trophy from an online trophy retailer for $18 only. “NO WAY THE WNBA ALL-STAR GAME MVP TROPHY COSTS $18 YOOOOOOO,” penned the user alongside pictures of Plum with her MVP award and a screenshot of Google shopping results.

Within hours, the rumor caught fire and was on almost everyone’s feed. However, the claim by Ballsack Sports was false as the trophy in Plum’s hands was not the same as the Google shopping results. A source familiar with the situation confirmed that the cup offered to Plum was actually crafted by Tiffany & Co. The luxury jeweler makes awards for the MLB, NFL, NBA, and the WNBA final trophy on custom order.

As per the other items available for purchase on the Tiffany & Co. website, Plum’s trophy was worth many times the amount suggested by Ballsack. Notably, the sterling silver household goods on the brand’s website are sold for tens of thousands of dollars. Some are even listed at $100,000 per piece. But, no matter how precious the trophy was, Plum’s teammate had another plan.

Plum’s teammates take on her trophy

Still, the high prestige of the award didn’t deter Las Vegas Aces star’s mates from poking fun at the award’s stature. After the All-Star Game 2022 MVP returned from Chicago, her mates mocked her by reenacting the award ceremony. While Aces forward Theresa Plaisance played Engelbert, her fellow Dearica Hamby did her best to pretend to be Plum.

Plaisance then ironically announced, “The prestigious MVP award goes to Kelsey Plum!” and wholeheartedly bestowed an applesauce pouch to Plum, played by Hamby. Later, Plum reshared the whole scene on her Instagram story. Once again, the same time of the year arrived, and all eyes were on the WNBA for their public award presentation. Did the league again hand over a controversial award for such a big honor?

So, the answer is no. Unlike last year, Stewart stood with a trophy that featured a ball carved into the glass. As Stewart ranked second in scoring and third in rebounds for the 2023 season, the Liberty’s star lifted the MVP trophy for the second time in her WNBA career. The Liberty forward achieved the honor back in 2018.

Fast forward to the 2024 WNBA regular season, Kelsey Plum is once again a strong contender for MVP. She’s already averaging 18.7 points and 4.8 assists per game. Additionally, she’s also preparing to face off in the 2024 All-Star game as part of the 2024 USA roster. Now, the question is: Will she be able to add another MVP to her long list of accolades? Stay tuned to find out!

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.