WNBA Community Offers Solidarity to Kelsey Plum after LA Sparks Star Wages War Against Refs

Questionable officiating in WNBA? Not exactly a new rant. Remember Stephanie White’s statement towards the end of last month? “I think it’s pretty egregious what’s been happening to us the last few games,” she made clear. And now it’s the Los Angeles Sparks that have stumbled in their push for a 2025 playoff spot, dropping four of their last five games in a frustrating stretch. Their latest defeat came at the hands of the expansion team, the Golden State Valkyries. A loss that only added fuel to the fire. After the game, Kelsey Plum didn’t hold back, launching into a pointed rant about the officiating.

“I’m going to get fined for saying this, but I drive more than anyone in the league,” began Plum, who is in her first season with LA after winning two titles in Las Vegas. “So, to shoot six free throws is f—— absurd. I got scratches on my face, I got scratches on my body, and these guards on the other team get these ticky-tack fouls, and I’m sick of it.”

In the game, Plum led all scorers with 24 points, and she came inches away from ending the game in regulation. The former University of Washington star had a good look in the paint just before the buzzer, driving into the lane off a pump-fake from the top of the key. Unfortunately, her floater fell short, and Golden State’s Kayla Thornton secured the rebound to ensure overtime. Valkyries eventually beat them 89-81, and that frustration surely reflected in her post-game conference.

The Valkyries committed 25 fouls to the Sparks’ 23, and Plum continued her outspoken criticism of WNBA officiating, expressing frustration that she’s being fouled on nearly every play without getting the calls. Not only that, she even advocated for her teammate Rickea Jackson. She emphasized that the lack of whistles has become a league-wide issue, with refereeing under increasing scrutiny this season. After her long rant, she has received support from the WNBA fandom, as finally, a player has voiced their opinions to the media and to the league. 

Fans rally for Kelsey Plum after ranting against referees

Safe to say many players and coaches are tired of the standard of refereeing in the league. Stephanie White called the officiating “egregious,” “disrespectful,” and inconsistent earlier this season. Last season’s final was controversial because of its officiating, as both Cheryl Reeve and Napheesa Collier blamed the officiating for stealing their title. The fans have been with them as well and are echoing the same sentiment for Kelsey Plum.

Plum ain’t lying, the refs are atrocious, the WNBA is run by amateurs.

— Joe Varriccio (@MDRoadking) June 10, 2025

“She’s saying what we’re all thinking, tbh,” wrote a fan. Plum frequently drives into the paint, and that should result in more trips to the free-throw line. However, the numbers tell a different story. Despite her claims, Plum’s 56 shot attempts are only the fifth-most in the league. Players like Breanna Stewart (65), Satou Sabally (71), and her own teammate Dearica Hamby (72) are all ahead of her. Meanwhile, Washington Mystics guard Brittney Sykes leads the league with 96 free-throw attempts, casting doubt on the idea that Plum is being uniquely overlooked by officials.

“She said that for a lot of people, I think. I’d be willing to bet a lot of fellow W players are texting her thanking her tonight. For an accomplished vet like KP to go off like that is important,” wrote another fan. Many players in the WNBA have been victims of contact fouls, leading to injuries. Sophie Cunningham injured her ankle two times, once in preseason and the next time against the Connecticut Sun. Her teammate, Sydney Colson, also limped off in the same game. There have been many injuries this season, with many players tearing their ACLs, most recently Courtney Vandersloot. 

Recently, Di Jonai Carrington appeared to pull Sparks’ rookie Sarah Ashlee Barker down by her hair while contesting a rebound. The incident, which was ruled a common foul by officials, reignited discussions about Carrington’s aggressive playing style and whether it crosses the line into unsportsmanlike conduct. There are many such players accused of aggressive and unnecessarily physical plays, putting other players in danger. 

“For being paid with a hotdog and a soda from the concession stand, I think the refs are doing wonderful!” said another fan. The WNBA referees are severely underpaid, and it’s a well-known fact. They receive anywhere between $35,000 and $50,000 per season. And the fans want NBA-level refereeing, but the referees in the NBA are paid anywhere between $180,000 to $550,000. The screening level is also very different, as many of these referees have less experience than NBA referees. So we can slightly cut them some slack regarding some of their decisions.

“I’ve always have like her attitude – she just seems so real.  It’s nice to see in the WNBA among all the fakeness,” wrote another fan. Plum has been historically very casual and laid back while giving interviews. She has been honest and always said what’s on her mind, and it is not only restricted to negative stuff like this, but also giving her team a reality check. She recently corrected her teammate who called Sparks and Aces a rivalry, saying that it’s not, as they have beaten them regularly over the last few years. 

“It’s not a rivalry, they’ve kicked our a–,” she began. “So, like, until we win at least 6 or 7 more matchups, it can’t be a rivalry. That’s like the Giants and Jets… respectfully, it can’t be a rivalry. What it’s like in the last 5 years, 16 and 2 or something. So, like, thanks for trying.”

An attitude like this has earned her many fans, along with her superior display on the court. It remains to be seen if Plum will get a fine for her comments, but it seems likely. The fans will hope that these comments affect the WNBA and that there is a change in the officiating standards in the league. 

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