WNBA star Kelsey Plum recently opened up about a moment during this year’s All-Star Game when a joke she made about Caitlin Clark and her “Team Clark” members did not land as intended. Plum, known for her on-court skills with the Sparks, reflected on how a lighthearted attempt to tease teammates clashed with the serious moment surrounding players’ pay advocacy. Her candid acknowledgment shows how even top athletes can misread situations under the spotlight, revealing both humor and humility.
Key Highlights
Kelsey Plum admitted to making a “bad joke” about Team Clark during the All-Star Game.
Her comments referenced teammates missing a meeting about “Pay us what you owe us” shirts.
The All-Star event highlighted players advocating for better pay in the next collective bargaining agreement.
Plum attempted to make light of the situation but later realized the moment’s seriousness.
Sabrina Ionescu and other teammates reacted to Plum’s comment with playful chiding.
The All-Star Joke That Missed
Plum’s quip came during a press conference following Team Clark vs. Team Collier at the July All-Star Game. The joke targeted players who allegedly missed a meeting about the “Pay us what you owe us” shirts, worn to promote improved WNBA pay.
“Oh, I made a bad joke. I made a really bad joke. Tough one.” – Kelsey Plum
Her attempt at humor referenced teammates being “hungover,” contrasting with Plum’s own team, which attended the meeting. The joke was intended to lighten the mood but inadvertently drew attention away from the serious message players were conveying that weekend.
“The questions came in, and it was like, ‘CBA, this, this, this, this.’ I honestly Birdie, was like, ‘Hey, Team Clark, they didn’t make it to the meeting either,’ making a joke, trying to make the room lighter,” – Kelsey Plum
Players Uniting for Pay Advocacy
The shirts worn by All-Stars were more than just symbols—they represented a collective push for fair compensation in the next collective bargaining agreement. Fans responded enthusiastically, chanting “pay them” after the game, highlighting how the moment resonated beyond the court. Plum later reflected on how she initially underestimated the significance of this advocacy moment.
“It was a very powerful moment. As players, we didn’t know that that was going to happen. I think it was kind of like a genuine surprise,” – Kelsey Plum
While her joke drew criticism, Plum emphasized that her intention was never to undermine the message.
“I should have, hindsight 20/20, because of the shirts, because of the fans, like I should have known it was a way more serious moment than a typical All-Star Game,” – Kelsey Plum
Teammates’ Reactions and Lessons Learned
Sparks teammate Plum laughed while recalling the incident, and Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu jokingly reminded her the comment was “not needed to be mentioned.” Plum acknowledged the feedback and stressed her desire to keep the atmosphere lighthearted while still respecting the broader cause.
“I’m trying to make the situation light, OK.” – Kelsey Plum
The moment taught Plum about balancing humor with sensitivity, especially in highly visible moments where advocacy intersects with team dynamics and public perception.
“You don’t even get to respond, and if you do you seem defensive. That’s why I didn’t even say anything. So, you just have to let it go. Thick skin,” – Kelsey Plum
News in Brief: Kelsey Plum All-Star joke About Caitlin Clark
Kelsey Plum reflected on a misfired joke at the July WNBA All-Star Game, targeting Caitlin Clark and Team Clark for missing a meeting about “Pay us what you owe us” shirts. The All-Star Game highlighted players’ collective push for fairer compensation. Plum attempted humor referencing her teammates being “hungover,” but later recognized the moment’s seriousness. Sabrina Ionescu and others reacted playfully to her comment. Plum emphasized learning from the experience, maintaining thick skin, and understanding the importance of timing and sensitivity in advocacy moments.
ALSO READ: Kelsey Plum Apologizes for All-Star Caitlin Clark Diss: “I Made a Bad Joke” That Backfired