WNBA 3-Point Contest Roster Missing Key Players

The WNBA revealed its lineup for the upcoming 3-point contest on Tuesday, and one absence stood out: Caitlin Clark will not be participating.

As reported by ESPN, Clark was invited to take part in the shooting event but chose to decline. Similarly, Sabrina Ionescu and Kayla McBride also opted out of the contest.

This situation could be detrimental for the league and its broadcasting partner, ESPN. Clark has been a major draw, consistently boosting viewership numbers to over a million when she’s involved.

The league has centered its All-Star Weekend shooting event around her by introducing a shot “from the logo,” a move that pays homage to Clark, who is known for her impressive long-range shooting. State Farm even designed a marketing campaign inspired by her logo threes.

While this absence is tough for the WNBA, it might be even more significant for ESPN. Clark’s presence typically guarantees a solid audience, making her absence especially noticeable.

The league also did not include Clark’s former teammates from the Indiana Fever, Kelsey Mitchell and Sophie Cunningham, which raises questions. Did they turn down invitations, or were they never approached? It’s unclear at this point.

Mitchell placed third among guards in fan voting for the All-Star game and shot an impressive 42% from beyond the arc this season. Cunningham, with a strong following on social media, finished 15th overall in the votes and has a 44% shooting percentage from three. She’s a well-known player who can drain shots.

Another notable absence is Paige Backers, the top pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, who averaged 20 points per game and received over a million fan votes for the All-Star Game.

Though the WNBA does have a 3-point contest, the list of participants seems lacking in star power. The players competing, including Rhyne Howard, Marina Mabry, Aj Fudd, Bridget Carleton, Natisha Hiedeman, and Janelle Saraun, are all solid shooters, yet they may not be as recognizable to casual sports fans.

It’s true that while these athletes are talented, it feels like they couldn’t match the excitement that someone like Clark or Ionescu would bring to the event. Their absence turns the contest into what some might consider a missed opportunity.

Clark is a key figure in the sport, and the fact that she hasn’t participated in a 3-point contest during her career is notable. She withdrew from the 2024 edition, was expected to take part in 2025, but now, she’s opted out again.

This is undoubtedly a setback for the WNBA. Clark elevates the stakes when she plays—games become must-watch events, arenas fill up, and there’s a surge in ratings and online engagement. Interest in the league peaks when she’s on the court.

The WNBA’s decision to hold a 3-point contest featuring a logo shot during All-Star Weekend without her involvement feels like a significant oversight for a league aiming to capitalize on its current momentum.