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Caitlin Clark's highly-anticipated debut in the WNBA 3-point contest was abruptly canceled last year after untimely injuries derailed her season. The Indiana Fever guard won't participate this year either.
Clark declined an invitation to participate in the 2026 WNBA 3-point contest in Chicago, a person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports on Tuesday, July 21. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because they're not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.
The news comes on the heels of Clark being named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week after she became the first player in WNBA history to record 45 points and 10 assists in the Fever's 110-107 win over the Seattle Storm on July 17. She knocked down six 3-pointers in the win to set a new career-high and Fever scoring record.
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Clark also became the fastest player to reach 200 made 3-pointers, in just 74 games, besting Katie Smith's previous record of 81 games.
Clark's various accolades made her a clear choice for the WNBA 3-point contest, which she was originally supposed to compete in during last year's All-Star festivities in Indianapolis. However, a right groin injury kept Clark out of the 3-point contest and 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, where she served as a team captain.
Managing her health likely added to her decision to decline. Clark has been dealing with a lingering back injury that has sidelined her four games this season. She missed the Fever's win over the Portland Fire on May 20 due to back soreness and was sidelined two additional games after reaggravating the injury in the Fever's loss to the Phoenix Mercury on June 24. Clark sat out the second leg of a back-to-back on July 9 to rest, the team said.
Clark said she felt "great" after playing three games in four days on Monday, a day before the WNBA 3-point participants were announced. The field will be made up of Toronto Tempo guard Marina Mabrey, Atlanta Dream forward Rhyne Howard, Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd, Portland Fire forward Bridget Carleton, Seattle Storm guard Natisha Hiedeman and Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaün.
Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride and New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu, the reigning 3-point contest champion, also declined to participate, a person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports.
Clark may have bypassed the 3-point contest, but she's set to participate in the 2026 All-Star Game after being voted a starter. The three-time All-Star will compete on Team Teresa Weatherspoon on Saturday, July 25, alongside Fever center Aliyah Boston. Teammate Kelsey Mitchell was drafted by Team Cynthia Cooper.
Although Clark "would've liked if we were all together" on the same team, she noted it was highly unlikely. "I love that I got AB (Aliyah Boston) with me. I never want to have to guard Kelsey (Mitchell), so I'm not too excited about that," Clark said on Wednesday, July 15.
Reach USA TODAY National Women’s Sports Reporter Cydney Henderson at [email protected] and follow her on X at @CydHenderson.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Caitlin Clark declines to participate in 2026 WNBA 3-point Contest
