Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride has publicly stated that her invitation to participate in the WNBA 3-point contest was informal and arrived with little notice. McBride, a five-time WNBA All-Star, shared on her Instagram Story that the invitation came through her agent via text message only 48 hours prior to the event, characterizing it as "half ass invite" and "not officially."
McBride's comments come amidst a stir surrounding the WNBA 3-point contest selections. Earlier, New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu addressed what she called "lies" about her declining to participate, clarifying that she was never officially invited. McBride's statement directly refutes a since-deleted post by B/R W Sports that had alleged Ionescu, McBride, and Caitlin Clark had all turned down invitations.
"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. She urged focus on the current participants, stating, "we should focus on the great shooters in it already!!! because there’s some killas in there."
McBride has a history with the 3-point contest, having participated in three previous events, most recently in 2024. While she has not won the contest, she is currently in strong form, averaging 18.2 points per game this season, which matches her career high from 2018. Over her last eight games, she has averaged 26.8 points on 54.5 percent shooting, including 50 percent from 3-point range.
Ionescu, the reigning champion, has won two of the last three 3-point contests. The six participants for Friday's contest in Chicago are Bridget Carleton (Fire), Azzi Fudd (Wings), Natisha Hiedeman (Storm), Rhyne Howard (Dream), Marina Mabrey (Tempo), and Janelle Salaun (Walkyries).
The 2026 WNBA All-Star Game is scheduled for Saturday night.