Caitlin Clark’s decision leaves door open for WNBA rookie to steal spotlight

Jul 21, 2026 - 21:30

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Caitlin Clark’s decision leaves door open for WNBA rookie to steal spotlight originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Caitlin Clark will not participate in the 2026 WNBA 3-Point Contest, opening the door for Dallas Wings rookie Azzi Fudd to become one of the biggest stories of All-Star weekend.

Clark, New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu and Minnesota Lynx sharpshooter Kayla McBride were invited to compete before declining, according to ESPN’s Alexa Philippou. No reason was immediately reported for any of the three decisions. Their absence removes three marquee names from Friday night’s competition, including Ionescu, who won the event in two of the past three years.

However, it also creates a tremendous opportunity for the six players who accepted invitations. Fudd will compete against Portland Fire forward Bridget Carleton, Seattle Storm guard Natisha Hiedeman, Atlanta Dream star Rhyne Howard, Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaün and Toronto Tempo guard Marina Mabrey.

Mabrey may enter as the favorite, but Fudd has everything required to turn her contest debut into another defining moment in an impressive rookie season.

Azzi Fudd gets unexpected All-Star opportunity

Fudd has wasted little time establishing herself as one of the WNBA’s premier young shooters. The No. 1 overall pick is making 38.8 percent of her attempts from beyond the arc while attempting 5.2 per game for Dallas. Her effortless release and ability to shoot quickly should make her especially dangerous in a timed competition.

Fudd arrived in the WNBA with a reputation as an elite perimeter threat after starring at UConn. That ability has immediately translated to the professional level, helping her become one of the league’s top rookies. Now she gets the chance to showcase it on a national stage.

Clark’s decision is especially significant because she would have commanded an enormous amount of attention throughout the event. Ionescu’s absence also eliminates the field’s most accomplished contest shooter. Ionescu set a WNBA and NBA record with 37 points in the final round of the 2023 competition. She reclaimed the championship in 2025, giving her two victories in her past two appearances.

Without Clark, Ionescu or McBride involved, Friday’s contest will guarantee a first-time winner. Fudd could use that opening to add an All-Star weekend trophy to a rookie season already filled with memorable accomplishments.

Marina Mabrey stands between Fudd and the trophy

Fudd may have the most intriguing story, but Mabrey has the strongest statistical argument to be considered the favorite. The Tempo guard leads the WNBA with 82 made 3-pointers this season while connecting on 39.2 percent of her attempts. She has combined high volume with impressive efficiency while serving as one of the faces of Toronto’s expansion team.

Mabrey’s confidence and quick release make her a natural fit for the competition. She is comfortable taking shots from several feet behind the line and rarely needs much space to get into her shooting motion. Howard is another player capable of overwhelming the field with volume. The Dream star attempts 8.9 3-pointers per game and makes 35.4 percent of them. That percentage trails some of her competitors, but her willingness to fire without hesitation could become an advantage against the clock.

Salaün owns the best 3-point percentage among the six participants at 39.4 percent. Carleton is shooting 38.2 percent, while Hiedeman has connected on 35.2 percent of her attempts. Every player in the field has a realistic path to victory. That uncertainty could make the competition more entertaining despite the absence of several of the WNBA’s most recognizable stars.

MORE: Caitlin Clark gives brutally honest review of Argentina-Spain World Cup final

Clark’s absence changes the spotlight

Clark declining the invitation undoubtedly takes some star power away from the competition, but it does not have to diminish the moment. Instead of every shot being measured against Clark or Ionescu, the remaining participants will get an opportunity to create their own All-Star weekend story.

For Fudd, that opportunity could be particularly valuable. The Wings rookie entered the league with major expectations after being selected first overall. Winning the 3-point contest would further establish her as one of the players capable of carrying the WNBA into its next generation.

Clark helped transform the level of attention surrounding women’s basketball. Her decision to sit out Friday’s competition means that attention has somewhere else to go. Fudd now has a golden opportunity to claim it.

The 2026 WNBA 3-Point Contest is scheduled to begin Friday at 8 p.m. ET.