Caitlin Clark will not participate in the 2026 WNBA 3-point contest. Neither will two-time champion Sabrina Ionescu, who is the reigning champ and holds the highest point total (37) in the event’s history, even counting the NBA. And it does not stop there: Kayla McBride, the active leader in 3-pointers with a staggering 793, also declined an invitation. All three were invited to shoot, but all three said no, according to ESPN.
The Big Names Are Out, But New Faces Are In
So, who’s stepping up to light it up in Chicago? The WNBA managed to snag No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd, which is a huge get for the league. Also joining the field is Marina Mabrey, who has been absolutely on fire this season, tying both the single-game records for points with 53 and for 3-pointers with nine. Mabrey and Rhyne Howard, who has also participated in the past, will be joined by Bridget Carleton, Janelle Salaun, and Natisha Hiedeman. For the first time since 2023, the 3-point contest expands to six participants, headlining All-Star Friday Night at Wintrust Arena in the Windy City. While Mabrey and Howard have some experience, everyone else is making their debut. It is going to be interesting to see who rises to the occasion.
Why Are the Stars Saying No?
Look, the league has had its share of criticism, and sometimes deservedly so. But this time around, the reluctance to participate is really on the players. Some of it is understandable: All-Star Weekend has become an absolute economic engine. It is not a break for these players, especially for massive stars like Clark and Ionescu. They are shuttled from appearance to appearance, trying to satisfy sponsors and fans. Add in playing in the actual All-Star Game, and the whole weekend can just disappear. Declining the 3-point contest is one of the few ways they can actually reclaim some of their time. This year, specifically, both Clark and Ionescu have been battling injuries they are still trying to fully overcome. And let’s not forget McBride, who was reportedly snubbed for an All-Star reserve spot and might not even be in Chicago. But here’s the kicker: there will always be explanations and excuses. Rest and recovery are absolutely crucial, no doubt. But putting on a show for the fans, growing the game, and building a lasting legacy are just as important, right? There is a real feeling that the league had to beg players to show up, with contestant announcements happening only days beforehand. And once again, the biggest name in the sport, Caitlin Clark, is sitting out. She declined in her rookie season, then sat out last year due to injury, and now she said no again.
It is a tough spot, but the WNBA 3-point contest has delivered some epic moments in the past. Remember Allie Quigley winning a record fourth time in front of her home crowd in Chicago in 2022? Or Ionescu’s record-shattering 37-point performance in 2023, draining 25 of 27 shots, including 20 in a row? That stuff lives up to the hype! Will this year’s contest, despite the big names missing, still deliver? We will have to tune in on All-Star Friday Night and see if Fudd or Mabrey can create some new history and keep that legacy burning bright.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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