Azzi Fudd Makes History: First Rookie to Win WNBA 3-Point Contest and Leads Washington to Shooting Stars Title

On July 24, 2026 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd captured the WNBA All-Star 3-point contest with a 30-point final round, becoming the first rookie ever to win the event. In the same night’s inaugural Shooting Stars competition, Team Washington—featuring Hall of Famer Elena Delle Donne, Mystics forward Shakira Austin, and Nike EYBL prospect Jezelle “GG” Banks—defeated Team Seattle 31-24 to claim the new title.

Azzi Fudd makes history as the first rookie to win 3-Point Contest, plus other WNBA All-Star Friday happenings

The 2026 All-Star weekend introduced the Shooting Stars contest, pairing a retired legend, a current player, and a high-school prospect on each three-person team. The 3-point contest kept its two-round, timed-shooting format, with each rack worth two, three, or four points depending on distance.

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Fudd entered the league as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft after a decorated UConn career. She was the only rookie invited to the 3-point contest, joining veterans Rhyne Howard, Marina Mabrey, Janelle Salaun, and Natisha Hiedeman.

ESPN

• 3-point contest scores – First round: Fudd 24, Carleton 29; Final round: Fudd 30, Carleton 19.

CBS Sports

• Other participants – Howard 20, Salaun 19, Mabrey 18, Hiedeman 17.

ESPN

• Shooting Stars – Washington posted 35 points in the preliminary round and 31 in the final; Seattle scored 24 in the final.

Azzi Fudd makes history as the first rookie to win 3-Point Contest, plus other WNBA All-Star Friday happenings

• Season averages (through 26 games) – Fudd: 13.2 pts, 1.9 ast, 1.7 reb, 38.7 % from three, 45.7 % overall.

The Sporting News

• Prize money – The winner’s purse is reported between $40,000 and $70,000; the collective bargaining agreement guarantees a $20,000 league award plus a $40,000 Aflac contribution, with some outlets noting an additional $10,000 stipend.

'I was just locked in': Wings' Azzi Fudd becomes first rookie to win WNBA 3-Point Contest

A WNBA spokesperson explained the invitation process: “Our general process is to reach out to agents to determine a player's interest, and some accept and some decline.”

ESPN

Elena Delle Donne praised Banks’ confidence and speed after the Shooting Stars final.

ESPN

• “I was shocked, that’s crazy to be the first is definitely an honor,” — Azzi Fudd.

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• “Steph, if you're listening, I've been asking for a rematch since high school,” — Azzi Fudd.

Bleacher Report

• “Honestly, coming back from injuries, it was a lot of chair shooting. A lot of stationary shots. And so, you get really good at shooting off a rack ... and having your shot down to a T,” — Azzi Fudd.

Wings' Fudd becomes 1st rookie to win WNBA 3-Point Contest

• Prize money: Sources differ on the exact winner’s purse and the split of the $170,000 union-funded pool.

'I was just locked in': Wings' Azzi Fudd becomes first rookie to win WNBA 3-Point Contest

• Shooting Stars payout: Reports vary between $22,500 per winner plus a shared $85,000 prize and a flat $15,000 per winner with $7,500 for non-winning participants. The league has not released final figures.

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Following her victory, Fudd challenged NBA star Stephen Curry to a rematch, echoing a 2018 camp showdown. The historic rookie triumph and the debut of the Shooting Stars competition highlight the league’s blend of legacy, current talent, and future stars.

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