The 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend is about to tip off with the annual 3-point contest tonight, but a major twist has everyone talking: Caitlin Clark and Sabrina Ionescu reportedly turned down invites to participate. USA Today’s Meghan L. Hall confirmed that both stars, along with Kayla McBride, were invited but ultimately declined, with specifics of their decisions not known.
The Shooters Stepping Up in Chicago
Despite some big names sitting it out, the field for the 3-point contest is officially announced and stacked with talent. Rookie sensation Azzi Fudd is headlining the group, joined by Marina Mabrey, who has been lighting it up all season and currently leads the league with 3.3 three-pointers per game. Bridget Carleton, Natisha Hiedeman, Rhyne Howard, and Janelle Salaün round out the six contestants. It’s an interesting mix, especially since Mabrey and Howard have competed before but never taken home the crown. Whoever wins will definitely be a first-time champion.
Money Balls and First-Time Champs: How It Goes Down
The contest itself is a two-round, timed event going down at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. Shooters will hit five different locations around the arc, each with a rack. Four of those racks will have four regular one-point balls and one special two-point “money ball.” The fifth rack? That’s the strategic one, packed with five “money balls” for maximum scoring upside, and players get to pick exactly where it goes among the five spots. The top two scorers from the first round move on to the championship round. With some massive names reportedly out, it really feels like anyone’s game for that crown.
You can catch all the action from the 2026 WNBA 3-point contest and skills challenge live tonight, Friday, July 24, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. Who’s gonna step up and grab that first-time crown? It’s going to be electric.
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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