Minnesota Lynx star Kayla McBride has spoken out about the WNBA's communication regarding its 3-point contest, describing the invitation she received as "half-a--" and unofficial. McBride stated on her Instagram Story that her agent received a text message about the contest approximately 48 hours before it was scheduled to occur, characterizing it as an informal outreach rather than a formal invitation.
"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," McBride wrote, addressing speculation about her absence.
McBride suggested that the focus should instead be on the players officially participating in the event: Bridget Carleton of the Minnesota Lynx, Azzi Fudd of the Dallas Wings, Natisha Hiedeman of the Seattle Storm, Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream, Marina Mabrey of the Chicago Sky, and Janelle Salaün of the Golden State Valkyries. She wished them good luck.
The 34-year-old guard has participated in the 3-point contest three times previously, with her most recent appearance in 2024. She has not won the event.
McBride is currently in the midst of a strong season, averaging 18.2 points per game through 28 games, matching her career-best scoring average from 2018. She is not expected to participate in this year's contest, which is scheduled for Friday at 8 p.m. ET.
She joins New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu in voicing concerns about the invitation process. Ionescu, the reigning champion, also stated she never received an official invitation to this year's event.