WNBA star Kelsey Plum launches a verified AI digital twin Kelsey Plum, the WNBA player who scored 40 points in the finals of the Unrivaled season, is expanding her influence with the creation of a verified AI digital twin. The project, announced on her Instagram account on March 6, allows fans to interact with an AI version of the Los Angeles Sparks star. Plum’s twin, developed in partnership with Talk2Me, an AI communications company, is the first verified digital twin for a professional female athlete. The initiative has been praised as a way for women in sports to maintain control over their public image and engage with fans beyond traditional platforms. Plum’s AI twin is designed to connect with fans, offering one-on-one conversations when she is unavailable. “In the arena, I can only talk to so many people at one time, so the next best thing would be to log on and have a one-on-one conversation,” she explained. The twin’s personality is tailored to reflect Plum’s voice, enabling her to respond to fan inquiries and share insights. Talk2Me CEO Randy Adams highlighted the cultural and business significance of the project, calling Plum a pioneer who “moved things from a business standpoint and a cultural standpoint.” The development of digital twins represents a shift in how celebrities and athletes engage with their audiences. Nilesh Ashra, founder of OK Tomorrow, noted that this approach is part of a broader trend, moving from writing books to creating coaching programs and now digital twins. “Brand-new world is a digital twin,” Ashra said, emphasizing the potential for AI to expand reach. However, he also acknowledged risks, such as unpredictable AI behavior, as models are inherently nondeterministic. Despite the excitement, some users have raised concerns about the implications of AI-driven interactions.#kelsey_plum #talk2me #unrivaled #nilesh_ashra #alex_bazzell
