Sabrina Ionescu Clarifies WNBA 3-Point Contest Snub: ‘Never Officially Got Invited’

New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu has directly addressed the widespread speculation surrounding her absence from the upcoming WNBA 3-point contest, stating emphatically that she was never formally invited to participate. The reigning champion’s clarification comes amid reports suggesting several high-profile players, including Ionescu, Caitlin Clark, and Kayla McBride, had declined invitations to the event in Chicago.

Setting the Record Straight

During a pregame media availability leading up to the Liberty’s matchup against the Chicago Sky, Ionescu pushed back against the narrative that she chose not to compete. “I can’t decline an offer I never got officially invited to. So was pretty surprised to see that. Never got invited,” Ionescu told reporters. Her statement directly contradicts earlier reports and aims to clear up any misunderstanding about her participation.

Ionescu, who has won the 3-point contest twice, including a record-breaking performance last year, expressed her desire to set the record straight. “I just kind of wanted to set the record straight,” she explained. “Like that was just false, but I’m really excited for the participants in it, and obviously there’s going to be a new winner, so I’m excited to see who wins.”

A History of Record-Breaking Performances

Ionescu’s dominance in the 3-point contest is well-documented. Her 2023 performance, where she amassed an astonishing 37 points, set a new benchmark for the competition. This remarkable feat has only amplified the surprise and discussion surrounding her exclusion this year.

When pressed further on the matter, Ionescu alluded to her previous highly publicized 3-point shootout with NBA superstar Stephen Curry. “Maybe I’ll do it with Steph again at NBA All-Star and get a really nice official invite,” she remarked, injecting a touch of humor while subtly highlighting the perceived lack of a formal invitation from the WNBA event.

Other Notable Absences and Clarifications

The conversation around the 3-point contest has also involved other prominent players. Reports indicated that Caitlin Clark and Kayla McBride were among those who reportedly turned down invitations. McBride, in particular, took to social media to address the situation, echoing Ionescu’s sentiment about the lack of a formal offer.

McBride shared her experience, stating that her agent had only informed her about the event shortly before it was publicized, and crucially, no official invitation ever materialized. “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 on social media. She added, “We should focus on the great shooters in it already!!! Because there’s some killas in there.” Her comments emphasize a desire to shift the focus to the athletes who are indeed participating.

The Official Lineup

The confirmed roster for this year’s WNBA 3-point contest features a talented group of shooters:

• Azzi Fudd (Dallas Wings)
• Rhyne Howard (Atlanta Dream)
• Janelle Salaün (Golden State Valkyries)
• Bridget Carleton (Portland)
• Marina Mabrey (Chicago Sky)
• Natisha Hiedeman (Seattle Storm)

Among this group, Rhyne Howard and Marina Mabrey are the only participants with previous experience in the WNBA All-Star 3-point contest. The competition is set to crown a new champion in Ionescu’s absence.

Ionescu’s Current Season Performance

Despite the off-court discussions, Ionescu has been performing well on the court. Even with an ankle injury earlier in the season, she entered Wednesday night’s game averaging 13.8 points per game across 14 appearances for the Liberty. Her consistent scoring ability underscores her status as one of the league’s premier offensive talents, making her absence from the 3-point contest a notable talking point.

The clarification from Ionescu provides a clear explanation for her non-participation, shifting the focus from a supposed refusal to an alleged lack of official outreach. As the All-Star festivities approach, the conversation now centers on the athletes set to compete and the storylines that will unfold in Chicago.