The 2025 WNBA All-Star 3-point contest lineup was announced. Azzi Fudd, Marina Mabrey, and Natasha Howard headline the roster. But the list hides a deeper narrative: the inclusion of Bridget Carleton, an undrafted forward for the Connecticut Sun.
Carleton’s name sits among established stars and high draft picks. Her career arc is a direct contrast to them. She went undrafted in 2019 out of Iowa State. She signed with the Minnesota Lynx. She was later traded to the Sun. In the 2024 season, she shot a career-high 40.5% from three-point range. She became a critical floor spacer for Connecticut. “She has earned every minute she gets,” Sun head coach Stephanie White said earlier this season. “Her consistency is rare.”
The selection process drew scrutiny due to a notable absence. Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty stated she was never officially invited. “Never officially got invited,” Ionescu told reporters, per Fox News. She shot 39.8% from three in 2024. That figure is slightly below Carleton’s 40.5%. The controversy shifts focus to the selection committee’s criteria. Carleton’s inclusion appears to be a merit-based decision over a popularity contest.
The broader All-Star weekend also features the State Farm Celebrity 3-Point Contest. That lineup includes actors and former athletes. Carleton’s spot in the main contest elevates her profile beyond that exhibition stage.
A strong performance in the contest could push Carleton into the All-Star game conversation next season. She is already a fan favorite for clutch shooting. Her 2025 stats, if sustained, will only strengthen that case. She is no longer just an undrafted player. She is an All-Star fringe candidate with a tangible platform.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Who is Bridget Carleton in the 2025 WNBA 3-point contest?
- A: Bridget Carleton is an undrafted forward for the Connecticut Sun who earned a spot in the 2025 WNBA All-Star 3-point contest after shooting a career-high 40.5% from three-point range in the 2024 season.
- Q: Why is Bridget Carleton’s inclusion in the 3-point contest controversial?
- A: Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty stated she was never officially invited to the contest despite shooting 39.8% from three in 2024. Carleton’s selection over Ionescu suggests a merit-based choice over popularity, sparking debate on selection criteria.
- Q: How did Bridget Carleton become a professional player?
- A: Carleton went undrafted out of Iowa State in 2019, signed with the Minnesota Lynx, and was later traded to the Connecticut Sun, where she developed into a critical floor spacer with consistent three-point shooting.
- Q: What does Carleton’s performance mean for her future in the WNBA?
- A: A strong showing in the 3-point contest could elevate Carleton’s profile and push her into All-Star game conversations for the next season, marking a significant rise from her undrafted status.
Extended Reading
For further context on the contest lineups and Ionescu’s statement, refer to the following sources:
– Fox News: Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu addresses absence from WNBA 3-point contest: ‘Never officially got invited’
– State Farm Newsroom: State Farm® Announces Star-Studded Celebrity 3-Point Contest Line Up