There seems to be a communication challenge in the WNBA. Kayla McBride, a star player for the Minnesota Lynx, found herself in a situation similar to that of New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu. Both athletes needed to clarify their absence from the WNBA’s 3-point contest and expressed concerns over the league’s invitation process.
McBride shared her experience on Instagram, explaining that she received an informal invitation through her agent just 48 hours before the event. It was not an official communication, leading her to address speculation regarding her absence. “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 stated on her platform.
A brief reflection on social media chatter prompted her to suggest, “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.” Despite the focus on her absence, McBride redirected attention to the contest participants including Bridget Carleton, Azzi Fudd, Natisha Hiedeman, Rhyne Howard, Marina Mabrey, and Janelle Salaün. She expressed well-wishes to them, emphasizing, “We should focus on the great shooters in it already!!! because there’s some killas in there. good luck to all those participating and when y’all start doing shooting contests coming off pin downs hit me.”
At 34, McBride has competed in three previous contests, though a victory remains elusive. She last appeared in the event in 2024.
Alongside McBride, Ionescu, the reigning champion with two victories under her belt, stated she wasn’t officially invited either, taking issue with assumptions about her withdrawal from the competition.
Currently, McBride is having an impressive season, averaging 18.2 points per game over 28 matches. This equalizes her career best from 2018.
The 3-point event is scheduled for Friday at 8 p.m. ET, missing McBride, Ionescu, and Caitlin Clark from its lineup.