The Rise and Fall of a Sports Power Couple
The marriage between NFL tight end Darren Waller and WNBA star Kelsey Plum, once celebrated as a Las Vegas power couple, ended in divorce after just thirteen months. Their relationship, which began privately around 2021, culminated in a March 2023 wedding only to dissolve in April 2024, highlighting the intense pressures faced by professional athletes balancing personal lives with demanding careers.
A Private Beginning and Public Wedding
Darren Waller and Kelsey Plum initially kept their romance low-key, with Waller attending Plum's Las Vegas Aces games in 2022. Their relationship gradually became public through appearances at events like an All Elite Wrestling match and a San Diego Padres game. The couple's engagement was a quiet affair during a hike at Torrey Pines in San Diego, followed by a spontaneous wedding on March 4, 2023, at a private farm in Las Vegas.
Interestingly, their wedding plans were accidentally leaked to the media by then Raiders coach Josh McDaniels during a press conference, causing frustration for Waller who valued his privacy. Plum shared their first kiss photos on Instagram with the caption "Him ? 3.4.23," capturing the initial joy of their union.
The Long-Distance Challenge
Just ten days after their honeymoon in Turks and Caicos, Waller was traded from the Las Vegas Raiders to the New York Giants, forcing the newlyweds into a coast-to-coast separation. This sudden development created immediate strain, with fans speculating about tensions between Waller and Coach McDaniels. Plum humorously responded to one fan's comment on social media, suggesting McDaniels wasn't invited to the wedding.
The couple attempted to maintain their relationship through frequent communication and travel, but the physical distance proved challenging. In January 2024, divorce rumors surfaced after Waller posted a TikTok video, though he quickly clarified that their marriage was fine at that time.
The Divorce and Aftermath
On April 23, 2024, Waller and Plum officially filed for divorce. Plum expressed her heartbreak on social media, stating she was "devastated" and had "walked through fire" for the relationship. The divorce coincided with a turbulent period for Waller, who briefly retired from the NFL before returning with the Miami Dolphins in 2025.
In May 2024, Waller released a song titled Who Knew (Her Perspective), which he described as an exercise in growth and empathy, written from what he imagined was Plum's viewpoint. He acknowledged struggling with intimacy in romantic relationships throughout his life, suggesting this contributed to their separation along with their demanding professional schedules.
Career Context and Personal Details
Kelsey Plum, born August 24, 1994, is a professional basketball player who joined the Los Angeles Sparks after eight seasons with the Las Vegas Aces. She was the all-time leading scorer at the University of Washington and has earned multiple All-Star selections, including an All-Star Game MVP trophy. Plum also won gold medals at the 2024 and Paris Olympics.
Darren Waller, born September 13, 1992, plays tight end for the Miami Dolphins after previous stints with the Raiders and Giants. Both athletes maintain significant social media followings and have net worths estimated between $2-10 million.
As of 2026, both Waller and Plum appear to be single, focusing on their respective sports careers. Their brief marriage serves as a poignant reminder of how professional demands and geographical challenges can impact even the most promising relationships between elite athletes.
