Full Breakdown
Ionescu, Clark and McBride Said to Decline WNBA 3-Point Contest – Players Refute
7/23/2026, 1:26:05 PM
Contest Invitation Controversy
On July 21, 2026 ESPN’s Alex Philippou reported that New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu, Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, and Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride were invited to the 2026 WNBA 3-Point Contest but had declined. Ionescu told reporters before the Liberty’s game against the Chicago Sky that she “never got invited” and called the report “lies.” Clark’s camp confirmed she turned down the invitation, citing a need for rest after injuries. McBride said her agent received a text about the event but no formal invitation arrived.
Background & Context
The 3-Point Contest is held during All-Star Weekend on Friday, July 24, at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, followed by the All-Star Game on Saturday, July 25, at the United Center. Ionescu holds the all-time record with a 37-point performance in 2023 and won again in 2025. Clark, the league’s leading scorer, has never competed despite frequent speculation. McBride, the career leader in 3-pointers, was runner-up in 2019.
Timeline
- July 21, 2026 – ESPN reports the three players declined invitations.
- July 23, 2026 – Ionescu posts a one-word “Lies” response on social media.
- July 24, 2026 – 3-Point Contest held at Wintrust Arena.
- July 25, 2026 – All-Star Game at the United Center.
Data & Statistics
- 2026 Contestants: Azzi Fudd, Marina Mabrey, Rhyne Howard, Natisha Hiedeman, Janelle Salaün, Bridget Carleton.
- Ionescu’s record: 37 points (2023), 25-of-27 shots, 20 consecutive makes.
- Clark’s season stats (pre-break): 20.7 points, 7.8 assists per game; 33.3 % from three, 37th among qualified players.
- McBride’s career 3-pointers: 796 (WNBA leader).
Official Statements & Responses
Clark’s representatives said she declined to “rest” after a season-ending groin injury in 2025 and a lingering back issue in 2026. McBride noted her agent received a text about the event but no formal invitation was sent.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on whether Ionescu actually received an invitation. Philippou listed her among those who declined, while Ionescu asserts she never received an official invite. Clark’s invitation status is also unclear; some outlets say she was invited and declined, others suggest no formal offer was made. The WNBA and the Liberty have not commented.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I can’t decline an offer I never got officially invited to,” — Sabrina Ionescu
- “FYI: Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu and Kayla McBride were invited to participate in the 3-point contest but declined,” — ESPN’s Alex Philippou
