Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd won the 2026 WNBA All-Star 3-Point Contest at Wintrust Arena in Chicago on Friday, July 24, 2026. Scoring 30 points in the final round, the top draft pick became the first rookie in league history to capture the title.
Fudd defeated Portland Fire forward Bridget Carleton in the championship round, cementing her status as a perimeter threat on one of the league’s biggest stages.
How Azzi Fudd Claimed the 2026 Title at Wintrust Arena
The competition tested six of the league’s premier shooters across a timed, two-round format. Shooters navigated five main racks around the perimeter alongside two deep From the Logo pedestals, where special black balls counted for three points each.
In the final round, Fudd put on a shooting display by connecting on her first six triples on her way to a 30-point score. Carleton, who had posted a round-high 29 points in the first round after sinking 13 of her first 16 attempts, finished the final round with 19 points.
“It’s fun to do because — and I don’t want to sound cocky — but it’s easy to me, just the set shot. Take the ball from the rack; it really is muscle memory. It’s what I’ve been doing since I was young.”
Azzi Fudd, Dallas Wings guard
Fudd added that the stationary setup of the contest played directly into her training background.
Prize Pool Increases Under the New Collective Bargaining Agreement
That baseline was supplemented by an additional $40,000 from event sponsor Aflac, bringing her total winnings for the night to $60,000.
Carleton collected $30,000 for finishing second, while Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard earned $15,000 for placing third after putting up 20 points in the first round.
Contest Field and Roster Conversations Leading Into Friday
The six-player field featured some of the league’s most productive perimeter shooters alongside Fudd and Carleton. Toronto Tempo guard Marina Mabrey entered the weekend leading the league in made 3-pointers, while Atlanta’s Howard, Seattle Storm guard Natisha Hiedeman, and Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaün rounded out the competitors.
Leading up to the event, the participant list drew widespread attention following public comments from players who were absent. Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride addressed her absence on Instagram, taking issue with the timing and manner of her invitation. Also, for those that are SO concerned. I received a half a– invite to the 3 pt contest, thru my agent, in a text randomly 48 hours ago..not officially,
McBride wrote, as reported by Fox News.
New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu also addressed reporting regarding her absence, denying claims that she declined an invitation. The league stated that its general process involves reaching out to agents to gauge player interest.
Shooting Stars Event Kicks Off Friday Night at Wintrust Arena
The event brought together current players, former league legends, and high school standouts in a 70-second timed obstacle course.
Team Washington captured the inaugural Shooting Stars title by posting 31 points in the final round to edge Team Seattle. The winning squad featured WNBA Hall of Famer Elena Delle Donne, Washington Mystics forward Shakira Austin, and Nike EYBL high school prospect Jezelle Banks, who sealed the victory by hitting two long-range shots from near halfcourt.
Action shifts next to the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game, scheduled for Saturday, July 25, at the United Center in Chicago.
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