WNBA star Caitlin Clark has declined an invitation to participate in the NBA All-Star Weekend’s three-point contest scheduled for February in San Francisco. Instead, the Indiana Fever guard prefers to make her three-point contest debut at the WNBA All-Star Game this summer in her hometown of Indianapolis.
Discussions had been underway to feature a mixed-gender three-point shootout, potentially pitting Clark and New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu against NBA sharpshooters Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. This concept follows last year’s event where Ionescu faced Curry, with the latter narrowly securing victory.
Clark’s decision is influenced by her desire to showcase her skills before her home fans in Indianapolis. Her representatives at Excel Sports conveyed that she wants her first professional three-point contest to occur during the WNBA All-Star festivities.
In her rookie season, Clark was named WNBA Rookie of the Year and led the league with 122 three-point field goals. Her impressive performance has significantly contributed to the rising popularity and viewership of women’s basketball.
The NBA had hoped that Clark’s participation would enhance the appeal of the All-Star Weekend’s events. However, her preference to debut in a WNBA setting underscores her commitment to elevating the women’s game and engaging with her local fan base.
While fans may be disappointed by her absence from the NBA event, Clark’s anticipated participation in the WNBA All-Star Game’s three-point contest is expected to draw significant attention and further boost the league’s profile.
