The basketball world is going wild right now. The 2026 State Farm WNBA 3-Point Contest is one day away, and the excitement is literally in the air. This event will take place this Friday, July 24 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago and is the perfect appetizer for the AT&T WNBA All-Star Game.
Mets split doubleheader with Braves The league has just announced an incredible six-player lineup that mixes established veteran sharpshooters with some thrilling new blood. It is going to be a phenomenal showcase of perimeter talent, and the stakes feel higher than ever.
A Rookie Phenom Chasing History
All eyes are understandably fixed on the Dallas Wings’ newest sensation, Azzi Fudd. Coming in as the 2026 number one overall draft pick, she is the only rookie competing in this year’s shootout. Fudd is already making massive waves in the professional ranks and looks incredibly comfortable playing under the bright lights.
She enters the contest with 50 made three-pointers this season, proving that her legendary college shooting has translated perfectly to the big leagues. If Fudd catches fire and edges out the veteran competition, she will carve her name directly into the record books. She has a very real chance to become the first rookie in WNBA history to win the 3-Point Contest, a storyline that has fans everywhere completely hooked.
The Heavyweight Shooters to Beat
While the rookie hype is real, taking the ultimate crown will not be easy. Fudd has to go through absolute statistical juggernauts like Marina Mabrey of the Toronto Tempo and Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream.
Mabrey and Howard are stepping onto the court as the undisputed favorites for a reason. Right now, Mabrey leads the entire league with a staggering 82 made triples on the season. Howard is breathing right down her neck with 79 of her own. Both guards possess the kind of high-volume shooting and deadly accuracy that perfectly translates to the timed rhythm of a 3-point contest. Watching these two go head-to-head, racing the clock and draining money balls, is going to be incredibly entertaining.
Fresh Faces and a New Era
The rest of the field is just as dangerous. Fans will get to see Bridget Carleton of the Portland Fire, Seattle Storm guard Natisha Hiedeman, and Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaün show off their gorgeous jump shots.
What is interesting about this particular lineup is who is not in it. Basketball fans were quick to notice the absence of household names like Caitlin Clark, two-time champion Sabrina Ionescu and sharpshooter Kayla McBride. Reports suggest these superstars politely declined their invitations this year. While we will certainly miss their massive star power, their absence guarantees something very exciting. We are getting a brand-new 3-Point Contest champion to completely shake up the decade.
Bright Lights in the Windy City
The mechanics of the contest remain just as thrilling as ever. Shooters will navigate five racks around the arc, strategically placing their all-money-ball rack wherever they feel most lethal. We will also see those massive custom shots from the State Farm logo to really test their deepest range. Chicago is a city rich in basketball culture and Wintrust Arena is the perfect setting for this exciting event.”
The two highest scorers from the first round will advance to a high-pressure, winner-takes-all championship round. The action tips off at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on ESPN and Disney Plus. Make sure you tune in tomorrow night, because this Friday shootout has all the ingredients for an absolute basketball classic.
