The WNBA All-Star 3-Point Contest became a hot topic after some invited players reportedly declined to participate. One of them, Sabrina Ionescu, has since addressed the situation. The New York Liberty star guard emphasized that she was never invited, and the league issued a statement amid the drama.
A WNBA spokesperson clarified that the league contacts agents, not the players directly. The representative added that preliminary interest checks are made to certain players.
“Our general process is to reach out to agents to determine a player’s interest, and some accept and some decline,” the spokesperson said, via ESPN's Alexa Philippou.
Caitlin Clark and Kayla McBride also reportedly declined invitations. However, the Indiana Fever superstar and the Minnesota Lynx guard have not issued a statement regarding it.
David Gonzales-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
Ionescu is the reigning 3-Point Contest champion, winning it convincingly last year. She scored 30 in the final round, knocking down 11 consecutive shots.
The four-time All-Star also won the event in 2023 by setting the highest score in a round with 37. In 2024, she participated in the NBA All-Star Weekend festivities, competing against Stephen Curry in a shootout. Ionescu recorded 26 points against the Golden State Warriors superstar's 29.
This year's three-point contest participants include Azzi Fudd, Bridget Carleton, Rhyne Howard, Natisha Hiedeman, Marina Mabrey and Janelle Salaun. Howard and Mabrey are the ones with WNBA 3-Point Contest experience. It will be held on Friday at Wintrust Arena in Chicago.
