Caitlin Clark among WNBA stars to turn down 3-point contest on All-Star Weekend
· Yahoo Sports
The WNBA‘s annual 3-point contest will feature plenty of talented shooters, but several of the league’s biggest stars won’t be taking part. According to a report, Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu, and Kayla McBride were all invited to compete in the 2026 WNBA 3-point contest but declined the invitation, leaving fans without three of the league’s premier long-range threats during All-Star Weekend.
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While the event still boasts an impressive field, the absence of those three names is sure to be one of the biggest talking points heading into the competition.
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New Faces Will Take Center Stage
Apr 13, 2026; New York, NY, USA; Azzi Fudd reacts as she poses for a photo on the orange carpet before the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn ImagesOn Tuesday, the WNBA officially unveiled its six-player field for the contest.
Competing for the 2026 3-point crown will be:
- Azzi Fudd (No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft)
- Bridget Carleton (Portland Fire)
- Natisha Hiedeman (Seattle Storm)
- Rhyne Howard (Atlanta Dream)
- Marina Mabrey (Toronto Tempo)
- Janelle Salaun (Golden State Valkyries)
It’s a group filled with accomplished shooters and emerging stars, giving several players an opportunity to shine on one of the league’s biggest stages.
Caitlin Clark’s Wait Continues
Jun 20, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) yells at the referee after a call during the game against the Atlanta Dream during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn ImagesSince entering the WNBA in 2024, Caitlin Clark has been one of the most anticipated participants for the league’s annual shooting competition.
Her record-breaking range and ability to score from well beyond the arc have made her an obvious candidate every season. Yet despite the continued interest from fans and the league, Clark has still never participated in the Friday night festivities during All-Star Weekend.
This year’s invitation marked another opportunity, but according to sources, the Indiana Fever superstar once again chose not to compete.
Missing Star Power
Jun 14, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) during the second half against the Washington Mystics at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn ImagesClark wasn’t the only notable player to pass on the event. New York Liberty standout Sabrina Ionescu, who has already delivered one of the greatest performances in 3-point contest history, also declined her invitation. Minnesota Lynx sharpshooter Kayla McBride rounded out the trio of established stars who opted not to participate.
While no specific reasons were provided for their decisions, at least not yet, their absence undoubtedly changes the look of this year’s competition.
That said, the contest still features a talented lineup capable of putting on an entertaining show. Rising stars like Azzi Fudd will have a chance to introduce themselves to a national audience, while proven veterans such as Marina Mabrey and Rhyne Howard have the shooting ability to deliver memorable performances.
Even without Clark, Ionescu, and McBride, the 2026 WNBA 3-point contest remains one of the marquee events of All-Star Weekend. However, fans will likely continue hoping that one day they’ll finally get to see one of the league’s most electrifying shooters—Caitlin Clark—step onto the court and compete for the title.
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