Caitlin Clark declines invitation to WNBA All-Star 3-Point Contest
Caitlin Clark, along with Sabrina Ionescu and Kayla McBride, turned down offers to compete in the WNBA's All-Star Weekend three-point shooting contest, which will feature six other players.
The WNBA announced the lineup for its All-Star Weekend three-point contest on Tuesday, confirming that star guard Caitlin Clark will not participate after declining the league's invitation. ESPN reported that the league also invited Sabrina Ionescu and Kayla McBride, both of whom declined to join the event.
The contest, scheduled for Friday night at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, will feature Rhyne Howard, Marina Mabrey, Azzi Fudd, Bridget Carleton, Natisha Hiedeman and Janelle Salaün. Several of the participants rank among the league's top shooters in three-point makes this season.
Clark, who has drawn significant viewership for the WNBA and its broadcast partner ESPN, was expected to be a marquee competitor. Her decision, as well as the absence of other high-profile players such as Indiana Fever teammates Kelsey Mitchell and Sophie Cunningham, has been noted by league observers.
"We respect Caitlin Clark's decision and wish her the best," a league spokesperson said.
The WNBA has highlighted the contest with a "From the Logo" shooting element, a format previously associated with Clark's long-range shooting. The organization and ESPN had anticipated that her participation would boost audience numbers, but the event will proceed with the announced field.