Communication Gaps in WNBA 3-Point Contest Invitations

Minnesota Lynx’s Kayla McBride, alongside New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu, highlighted a communication issue in the WNBA. Both athletes clarified the nature of their absence from the WNBA’s 3-point contest.

McBride shared her perspective on social media. She received an unexpected and informal invitation to the contest through her agent via a text only 48 hours prior. “I received a half-hearted invite to the 3-point contest, through my agent, in a text randomly 48 hours ago, not officially,” McBride stated on her Instagram Story.

Addressing false narratives about her reluctance to participate, McBride urged attention towards the confirmed participants. She mentioned Bridget Carleton from Portland Fire, Azzi Fudd from Dallas Wings, Natisha Hiedeman from Seattle Storm, Rhyne Howard from Atlanta Dream, Marina Mabrey from Toronto Tempo, and Janelle Salaün from Golden State Valkyries.

In her Instagram post, she emphasized focusing on the talent present. “We should focus on the great shooters in it already because there are some excellent players there. Good luck to all those participating,” McBride noted.

At 34, McBride remains an influential figure, having previously competed in three 3-point contests but not securing a victory. Her last participation was in 2024.

Similarly, Ionescu faced her own miscommunications. As the current champion, she clarified not receiving an official invite, countering claims of declining participation.

Currently, McBride is achieving a career-high average of 18.2 points per game over 28 games, matching her best from 2018. Despite this success, McBride, Ionescu, and Caitlin Clark will not attend the event scheduled for Friday at 8 p.m. ET.