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Top WNBA Guards Decline 2026 3-Point Contest

7/22/2026

25 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu and Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride declined invitations to the 2026 3-Point Contest.
The contest awards $20,000 to the winner and $10,000 to participants, up from last year’s prize amounts.
Marina Mabrey leads with 82 threes, followed by Rhyne Howard with 79 and Janelle Salaun fifth.
Clark is shooting 33.3% from three this season while Ionescu is at 28.7%.

History

Historical Context

In 1986 the NBA added the inaugural Three-Point Contest to All-Star Weekend, where Larry Bird hit 21 of 25 shots to claim a $5,000 prize. The WNBA followed in 2022, awarding Diana Taurasi $10,000. By 2026 the contest offered a $20,000 winner’s purse, yet top players such as Caitlin Clark and Sabrina Ionescu declined, citing brand and schedule conflicts.

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Story summary

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu and Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride declined invitations to the 2026 3-Point Contest.
The contest awards $20,000 to the winner and $10,000 to participants, up from last year’s prize amounts.
Marina Mabrey leads with 82 threes, followed by Rhyne Howard with 79 and Janelle Salaun fifth.
Clark is shooting 33.3% from three this season while Ionescu is at 28.7%.

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