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Among the many reasons the WNBA has made headlines throughout the 2026 season, its approach to the All-Star game and the events that go with it certainly stand out. After the WNBA 3-point Contest included several notable names not included, such as Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu and Kayla McBride, the belief was that they'd turned down the opportunity.
However, for the reigning 3-point contest winner, Ionescu, things took an interesting turn when she was asked about not defending her title. In short, it appears she didn't turn down an invite; instead, she never even received one. Ionescu first replied on Instagram, calling the claim that she turned down an invite "lies," and then commented on it later, as Sportico highlighted.
"I can't decline an offer I never got officially invited to," Ionescu said. "I was pretty surprised to see that. I never got invited. Whether it's against Steph Curry or in the W, I always go out and try to beat my record every single time I've gone out. So I kind of just wanted to set the record straight, that was just false."
This is an eye-opening admission from Ionescu and adds an even brighter spotlight on the WNBA as a whole. The fact that the reigning 3-point champion didn't even receive an invite to the event is nothing short of mind-blowing. That should never happen. Players should always be given the opportunity to defend their title, and if they decline the invite, so be it. However, this appears to be the exact opposite, and it truly makes no sense.
If Ionescu's lack of an invite isn't head-scratching enough, McBride's own response on the topic was another added storyline of confusion. The Minnesota Lynx star took to Instagram and posted a story highlighting how things apparently played out regarding the 3-point contest, as the New York Post detailed.
"Also for those that are SO concerned. i received a half-ass invite to the 3 pt contest, thru my agent, in a text randomly 48 hours ago..not officially," McBride said on Wednesday. "Sooo posting things like i’m afraid of shooting smoke is weird and if you didn’t hear it from me prob shouldn’t believe it … we should focus on the great shooters in it already!!! because there’s some killas in there. good luck to all those participating and when yall start doing shooting contests coming off pin downs hit me."
The response from McBride is also significant, as she states she received an invite via text from her agent just days before the event.
None of this is disrespectful to the players competing in the event, as they're great players. However, the lack of clarity around the other players is head-scratching. With that said, the players who are participating: Azzi Fudd, Bridget Carleton, Rhyne Howard, Natisha Hiedeman, Marina Mabrey and Janelle Salaun, should help create a great event.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Sabrina Ionescu drops unbelievable update on reason for missing WNBA 3-point contest
Continue reading...
However, for the reigning 3-point contest winner, Ionescu, things took an interesting turn when she was asked about not defending her title. In short, it appears she didn't turn down an invite; instead, she never even received one. Ionescu first replied on Instagram, calling the claim that she turned down an invite "lies," and then commented on it later, as Sportico highlighted.
"I can't decline an offer I never got officially invited to," Ionescu said. "I was pretty surprised to see that. I never got invited. Whether it's against Steph Curry or in the W, I always go out and try to beat my record every single time I've gone out. So I kind of just wanted to set the record straight, that was just false."
This is an eye-opening admission from Ionescu and adds an even brighter spotlight on the WNBA as a whole. The fact that the reigning 3-point champion didn't even receive an invite to the event is nothing short of mind-blowing. That should never happen. Players should always be given the opportunity to defend their title, and if they decline the invite, so be it. However, this appears to be the exact opposite, and it truly makes no sense.
Kayla McBride addresses WNBA 3-point contest
If Ionescu's lack of an invite isn't head-scratching enough, McBride's own response on the topic was another added storyline of confusion. The Minnesota Lynx star took to Instagram and posted a story highlighting how things apparently played out regarding the 3-point contest, as the New York Post detailed.
"Also for those that are SO concerned. i received a half-ass invite to the 3 pt contest, thru my agent, in a text randomly 48 hours ago..not officially," McBride said on Wednesday. "Sooo posting things like i’m afraid of shooting smoke is weird and if you didn’t hear it from me prob shouldn’t believe it … we should focus on the great shooters in it already!!! because there’s some killas in there. good luck to all those participating and when yall start doing shooting contests coming off pin downs hit me."
The response from McBride is also significant, as she states she received an invite via text from her agent just days before the event.
None of this is disrespectful to the players competing in the event, as they're great players. However, the lack of clarity around the other players is head-scratching. With that said, the players who are participating: Azzi Fudd, Bridget Carleton, Rhyne Howard, Natisha Hiedeman, Marina Mabrey and Janelle Salaun, should help create a great event.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Sabrina Ionescu drops unbelievable update on reason for missing WNBA 3-point contest
Continue reading...
