The WNBA 3-Point Contest just got turned on its head! Caitlin Clark will not participate in the 2026 WNBA 3-Point Contest, completely opening the door for an unexpected star to seize the spotlight during All-Star weekend. Seriously, nobody saw this coming.
The Big Names Are Gone, But the Stage Is Set
ESPN’s Alexa Philippou broke the news that Clark, New York Liberty phenom Sabrina Ionescu, and Minnesota Lynx sharpshooter Kayla McBride all declined invitations to compete. There’s no reason reported for their decisions, but talk about a curveball! This removes three massive names from Friday night’s competition, including Ionescu, who absolutely dominated the event, winning it in two of the past three years. Remember her setting WNBA and NBA records with 37 points in the final round back in 2023? She reclaimed the championship in 2025. Yeah, she’s that good. But her absence, along with Clark’s and McBride’s, guarantees one thing: we’re getting a first-time winner! This creates a wild opportunity for the six players who *did* accept invitations. Our very own Seattle Storm guard Natisha Hiedeman is in the mix, alongside Dallas Wings rookie Azzi Fudd, Portland Fire forward Bridget Carleton, Atlanta Dream star Rhyne Howard, Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaün, and Toronto Tempo guard Marina Mabrey.
Azzi Fudd’s Unbelievable Shot at Glory
Dallas Wings rookie Azzi Fudd is absolutely primed to take advantage of this opening. This No. 1 overall pick wasted zero time establishing herself as one of the WNBA’s premier young shooters. She’s already making 38.8 percent of her attempts from beyond the arc, hitting 5.2 per game for Dallas. Her effortless release and lightning-quick ability to shoot make her a seriously dangerous threat in a timed competition. Fudd arrived in the WNBA with a huge reputation as an elite perimeter threat after tearing it up at UConn, and that ability has translated immediately to the professional level. Now, she gets the chance to showcase it on the biggest national stage, an unexpected All-Star opportunity that could easily become a defining moment in what’s already been an impressive rookie season for her.
The Field: Who’s Standing in the Way?
While Fudd has the most intriguing storyline, Toronto Tempo guard Marina Mabrey makes the strongest statistical argument as the favorite. She’s leading the entire WNBA with 82 made 3-pointers this season, connecting on an impressive 39.2 percent of her attempts. That’s high volume with incredible efficiency! Mabrey’s confidence and quick release also make her a natural fit for this competition. She’s comfortable firing from several feet behind the line and rarely needs much space to get her shot off. Atlanta Dream star Rhyne Howard is another player who could just overwhelm the field with her volume, attempting 8.9 3-pointers per game. While her 35.4 percent trails some of her competitors, her willingness to fire without hesitation could be a massive advantage against the clock. Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaün actually boasts the best 3-point percentage among the six participants at 39.4 percent, with Portland Fire forward Bridget Carleton right behind her at 38.2 percent.
Who takes home the trophy this Friday night? Our Storm’s own Natisha Hiedeman is ready to make a name for herself, and with all these big names out, anything can happen. Get ready!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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