Despite making a name for herself in college for having elite shooting range, Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has never competed in the WNBA 3-Point Contest. That will not change this year.
Clark was not included in the list of six participants for this season’s contest during WNBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago.
The Fever star is not the only notable name skipping the contest as reigning champion Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty was not included.
All-Stars Marina Mabrey of the Toronto Tempo and Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream were included in the list.
Joining them are No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd of the Dallas Stars, Bridget Carleton of the Portland Fire, Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaun and Seattle Storm guard Natisha Hiedeman.
A source told FrontOfficeSports that some players were invited but declined invitations to participate. Further reporting from ESPN’s Alexa Philippou confirmed that Clark and Ionescu declined an invitation – as did Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark will not be participating in this year’s WNBA 3-Point Contest
Reigning champion Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty will also not be participating
Reports indicate both Clark and Ionescu turned down offers to compete in the contest
All of the participants in the contest average at least two made 3-point shots per game and average a 3-point percentage of 35 percent, something neither Clark or Ionescu can claim.
Clark was scheduled to take part in the 3-Point contest last season when the All-Star Game was held in Indianapolis.
However, she withdrew from the festivities due to a groin injury which ultimately ended her season.
Ionescu, meanwhile, has missed large chunks of the season due to injury and is currently shooting a career-low 28.7 percent from beyond the arc.
Clark and Ionescu aren’t the only ones who are missing from the contest. All-Stars Paige Bueckers and Allisha Gray aren’t participating.
The winner of the contest will receive $20,000 in a cash prize this year, with each participant getting $10,000. It’s a marked improvement from last year’s takings, with the winner only receiving less than $3,000.
However, last year’s winner also got an additional $60,000 from corporate sponsor Aflac. Such an arrangement has not yet been announced for this year.
