WNBA 3-point contest faces scrutiny as top stars decline 2026 invitation
The absence of marquee players raises concerns about the long-term viability of the All-Star Weekend competition amid scheduling pressures and injury concerns.
Caitlin Clark, reigning champion Sabrina Ionescu, and active leader Kayla McBride have declined invitations to participate in the 2026 WNBA 3-point contest. The event, scheduled to headline All-Star Friday Night at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, will proceed with a field of six participants, including first-round pick Azzi Fudd and Marina Mabrey.
The decision by these high-profile athletes to withdraw has sparked debate regarding the future of the competition. While the league has faced criticism in previous years for scheduling conflicts, reports suggest that the current reluctance stems from the increasing demands placed on players during All-Star Weekend. The event has evolved into a significant economic engine, requiring extensive participation in sponsor and fan appearances that leave little room for rest.
Ionescu, who holds the event’s all-time record of 37 points, including an NBA-high score, is not the only star sitting out. McBride, the active leader in career 3-pointers with 793, was also invited but declined. Clark, who revolutionised the game with her long-range shooting, has now declined an invitation for the second time, having missed the previous year’s contest in Indianapolis due to injury.
The expanded field features Fudd, Mabrey, Rhyne Howard, Bridget Carleton, Janelle Salaun, and Natisha Hiedeman. This marks the first time since 2023 that the contest has featured six participants. While Mabrey and Howard have competed in the past, the other four players are making their debut in the event. Mabrey enters the competition having tied single-game records for points (53) and 3-pointers (nine) this season.
The absence of top talent echoes historical precedents where the lack of star power contributed to the decline of similar events, such as the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. With Clark also declining to participate in a two-on-two challenge at the NBA All-Star Weekend, questions remain about her future involvement in the WNBA 3-point contest. The league’s late announcement of contestants and the perception that players were reluctant to join the event have further intensified scrutiny on the competition's standing within the league.
