The WNBA has officially unveiled the lineup for its highly anticipated Three-Point Contest, with Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd taking center stage. She headlines a formidable group of sharpshooters ready to showcase their range from beyond the arc. The field is packed with talent, featuring Toronto Tempo guard Marina Mabrey, Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard, Portland Fire guard Bridget Carleton, Seattle Storm guard Natisha Hiedeman, and Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaün. This announcement sets the stage for an exciting display of perimeter prowess.
Despite the impressive roster, it was revealed that several prominent names were extended invitations but ultimately declined. ESPN’s Alexa Philippou reported that stars like Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu, and Kayla McBride opted not to participate. Clark and Ionescu have reportedly been managing back injuries this season, though both are currently available for play. Nevertheless, the assembled group promises a thrilling competition, highlighting some of the league’s most effective long-range threats.
Top Shooters Ready to Ignite the Arc
The upcoming contest features players who have consistently proven their ability to light up the scoreboard from deep. Marina Mabrey, representing the Toronto Tempo, stands out as the league leader in three-point baskets made, averaging an impressive 3.3 per game. Hot on her heels is Atlanta Dream’s Rhyne Howard, who ranks second in the WNBA with 3.2 made threes per contest. Bridget Carleton of the Portland Fire also makes a strong case, sitting fourth overall with 2.6 three-pointers per game.
The depth of talent among the WNBA three-point participants is further underscored by the presence of Janelle Salaün, Natisha Hiedeman, and Azzi Fudd. Salaün, the Golden State Valkyries forward, is averaging 2.5 made threes, placing her comfortably within the league’s top 11. Seattle Storm’s Natisha Hiedeman and Dallas Wings’ Azzi Fudd are also among the elite, each contributing 2.0 three-pointers per game. These statistics highlight the consistent scoring ability that each participant brings to the competition, promising a high-octane shootout.
Precision from Downtown: Analyzing Percentages
While volume is crucial, efficiency from beyond the arc often separates good shooters from great ones. The WNBA three-point participants boast a range of impressive percentages, indicating their accuracy under pressure. Janelle Salaün leads this elite group with the highest three-point percentage among the contestants, hitting a remarkable 39.4% of her attempts. Her precision makes her a significant threat in the contest.
Following closely is Marina Mabrey, who has been shooting at an excellent 39.2% clip from downtown this season. Azzi Fudd, the headliner, demonstrates her sharp-shooting capabilities with a solid 38.8% success rate from long range. Bridget Carleton is also a highly efficient shooter, converting 38.2% of her three-point attempts. While Rhyne Howard and Natisha Hiedeman have slightly lower percentages compared to their peers in this specific field, they are still formidable competitors. Howard is shooting 35.4% from three, and Hiedeman is at 35.2%. Each player’s ability to consistently knock down shots will be rigorously tested in the high-stakes environment of the contest. For more details on the participants and their season performances, readers can refer to the original announcement.
A Legacy of Sharpshooters and Future Contenders
The WNBA Three-Point Contest has a rich history of showcasing the league’s premier long-range specialists. Past champions include Sabrina Ionescu, who claimed victory in both 2023 and 2025, and Allisha Gray, who emerged victorious in 2024. These previous contests have set a high bar for accuracy and clutch performance, adding to the prestige of the event.
The decision by some invited players, such as Caitlin Clark and Sabrina Ionescu, to decline participation this year does not diminish the quality of the current field. The reasons for their absence, including reported back injuries for Clark and Ionescu, are understood. However, the current lineup of WNBA three-point participants is undeniably strong, featuring a mix of established veterans and rising stars. The competition promises a memorable event where a new champion will be crowned, or one of these sharpshooters will add another accolade to their career. The excitement surrounding this event is palpable, and fans are eagerly awaiting to see who will master the arc. Further insights into the WNBA season can often be found on sports news platforms.
