Kelsey Plum has built a reputation as a leader on the court and a powerhouse negotiator off it. Now, she’s expanding her empire into a completely new arena. We’ve seen her do that on the basketball court as a point guard, even during the CBA negotiations as a WNBPA first vice-president, and now, as the season tips off in a few days, Plum is part of another special exclusive announcement outside of the sport.

In a post, WBB journalist Roberta stated that Plum has joined forces with Maker’s Mark, a liquor brand associated with the business for more than 100 years, to create a limited-edition bourbon called Yam Jam, making a strong foray into the liquor business. The product’s exterior case will also be custom-made, and the LA Sparks guard herself will be in Long Beach to sign exclusive bottles in the coming days.

Kelsey Plum has partnered with Maker’s Mark to create her own Private Selection bourbon. It’s a limited edition called Yam Jam, which includes a custom bottle. She’ll be at Corked Bixby in Long Beach on May 7 to sign bottles from 5-6 p.m. PT. (Not ad btw, just really cool stuff) pic.twitter.com/YFPxHsE5wQ

The product has an ABV of over 55% and has blends of chili spice, citrus, and twisted oak. According to the LA Sparks player, she wanted to create something with a “more of a barbecue or holiday vibe.” And to honor it further, Plum has also curated an exclusive cocktail named “KP’s Kicking Mule”, giving the fans an exciting outline of the product.

Notably, Plum also arranged a gateway to Star Hill Farm, the primary distillate of Marker’s Mark. This gave her an exclusive opportunity to get an in-hand experience of the entire process that goes into a single cask of bourbon. And subsequently tipped off the foundation of this partnership, which she wants to build on the same ethos she follows in basketball.

“Working with Maker’s Mark to create my own bourbon gave me a chance to take the same approach I bring to the court—thoughtful, precise and intentional—and craft an expression that truly reflects who I am,” Plum said of the partnership. “I’ve always admired Maker’s Mark for their dedication to taking the time to achieve their exact vision. With Yam Jam, I wanted something bold and distinctive, with warmth and balance, meant to be enjoyed with family and friends.”

Notably, Kelsey Plum isn’t the first WNBA athlete to partner with Maker’s Mark in recent years. The liquor brand also partnered with Unrivaled, founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, and serves as their official spirits partner. Other players in the liquor industry include Sophie Cunningham, who has served as the brand ambassador for the vodka-based iced tea brand Sun Cruiser, and Elena Delle Donne, who launched her own wine label in 2023.

All in all, this marks a great boost for Plum in her off-court portfolio. In 2024, the LA Sparks point guard also sealed the deal with Kingmakers to create her own signature cigar, and a signature bourbon line is the icing on the cake to curate a financial pipeline for her career outside basketball. And subsequently invest in something she has always wanted. “Cigars, bourbon… There’s certain life pleasures that are great combinations, and those are one of them,” she had said.

Plum’s signature bourbon line, Yam Jam, will officially launch on May 7, just a few days before the WNBA season, when Plum will tip off her second season with the Los Angeles Sparks after a hectic offseason marked by the WNBA’s CBA negotiations. Additionally, the date will also officially mark the start of a partnership built on a noble foundation.

Kelsey Plum’s Association With Maker’s Mark Goes Beyond Just Creating a Limited Edition Bourbon

For most, the partnership is a two-way business opportunity, and of course, it is. It gives Kelsey Plum a major opportunity to be a front-line WNBA athlete and make a mark in the liquor industry. In return, the Maker’s Mark gets a veteran hooper who is immensely touted in the community and has a stellar following around the globe.

But it doesn’t just end there, as Maker’s Mark also took this partnership as an opportunity to aid the Los Angeles Fire Department. As per PR Newswire, the liquor brand has donated the first barrel to the department to help them raise funds for new equipment in their efforts to serve the public.

Rob Samuels, who is the current managing director of the brand, also touched upon this sentiment of curating something meaningful through this association.”This partnership brings together our passion for exceptional bourbon with Kelsey’s unmatched focus, warmth, and authenticity—all in support of a meaningful cause, he said in a statement.

For Plum, this aid is a no-brainer as well. For context, Plum’s brother, Daniel, is also a firefighter with the Oceanside Fire Department. As a result, Plum herself wanted to honor the fire department, which often risks its lives for the people. “You know, growing up in California, we’ve always been affected by fires — and not just the actual fire, but what happens after with the men and women who are there everyday,” she said. “I just wanted to figure out how to honor them and give back the way that they give to us.”

This marks another silver lining of Kelsey Plum’s brand in Los Angeles, beyond her association with the Sparks, where she is the team’s most important player heading into the season. On the basketball circuit, the two-time WNBA champion is looking for redemption after losing 21-23 last season. Their official season tips off on May 10 against the Las Vegas Aces after a preseason game against the Portland Fire on May 3.