WNBA Snubs Biggest Stars From Competing In Three-Point Contest

Interesting caitlin clark, sophie cunningham, wnba admin July 24, 2026 0 Comments

WNBA Snubs Biggest Stars From Competing In Three-Point Contest

The WNBA released the participants for its three-point contest on July 21, which notably did not include many of its most popular stars, including Sabrina Ionescu, Sophie Cunningham, Kelsey Mitchell, or Caitlin Clark.

“The league always gets in the league’s way,” Cunningham said after hearing the list, according to Yahoo Sports.

After the list was announced, reports surfaced that Clark and Ionescu declined to participate.

Ionescu, however, responded on social media in a now-deleted post calling the reports false.

Ionescu addressed the situation before her game Wednesday.

“I can’t decline an offer I never got officially invited to, so I was pretty surprised to see that. Never got invited,” Ionescu said, per Yahoo Sports. “Whether it’s against Steph Curry or in the W, I always go out and try to beat my record every single time I’ve gone out.”

Each participant in the competition receives $10,000, with the winner earning an additional $20,000.

Clark has not publicly confirmed or denied the reports that she was invited to attend but declined. She was set to participate last season before getting injured. (RELATED: WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert Pressed By GOP Lawmakers To Provide Protection For Caitlin Clark)

Cunningham is debatably the WNBA’s second most recognizable star, and despite being second in the league in three-point percentage at 43.7% and top 20 in makes, she was also not invited.

Cunningham had some questions about the selection process.

“I mean, I don’t make any of those decisions. I don’t even know who makes those decisions,” Cunningham said, adding in a separate interview, “I would have done it. I would have loved to win some money. I need to buy a boat, so that would have been fun. But it’s fine.”

Cunningham was even more blunt in a now-deleted social media post responding to shooting coach Drew Hanlen, who wrote, “Second in the league in 3P% & not invited to the 3-Point Contest? They’re hating on you, @sophaller!”

“Soooo what else is new with everyone?” Cunningham responded, according to Yahoo Sports.

Fellow Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell was also left out.

Despite being three highly qualified players from by far the league’s most popular team, neither Cunningham, Clark, nor Mitchell will be in the contest.

The six players who were invited to the contest, which will take place on Friday, July 24, are Bridget Carleton, Azzi Fudd, Natisha Hiedeman, Rhyne Howard, Marina Mabrey, and Janelle Salaün. All six ranked in the top 10 in three-pointers made.