Azzi Fudd Takes the Spotlight: Sabrina Ionescu Claims She Was Snubbed in WNBA 3-Point Contest

Sabrina Ionescu claims she was never officially invited to the 2025 WNBA All-Star 3-point contest. The New York Liberty guard, who set the contest record in 2023, is absent from a lineup headlined by rookie Azzi Fudd, alongside Marine Mabrey and Natasha Howard. The controversy erupted after Fox News reported Ionescu’s statement: “I never officially got invited.” The snub narrative has overshadowed the official lineup, even as State Farm announced a separate, star-studded celebrity 3-point contest drawing parallel media attention. The core question remains: was this a league oversight or a miscommunication?

The confirmed WNBA 3-point contestants, per ESPN, feature Azzi Fudd as the centerpiece. Fudd, a rookie with a decorated college shooting career at UConn, now has a national stage. She is joined by Connecticut Sun’s Marine Mabrey, known for consistent deep-range shooting, and New York Liberty forward Natasha Howard, a versatile big who can stretch the floor. Other participants were not disclosed in the initial release. The absence of elite shooters like Ionescu, and perhaps others, raises questions about the contest’s competitive depth. Short statement: Fudd is the new face.

Ionescu’s comments to Fox News detailed the timeline. “I never officially got invited,” she said, contradicting assumptions of a deliberate snub. Analysis of the sequence: the league either overlooked her or a communication breakdown occurred. Contrast with 2023: Ionescu scored a record 37 points in the final round. Her natural candidacy for 2025 makes the absence jarring. Fan backlash on social media, with #JusticeForSabrina trending, fuels the narrative. Analysts argue the controversy devalues the event, while others see it as a chance for new stars like Fudd to emerge.

The State Farm Celebrity 3-Point Contest adds another layer. Announced separately, it features a star-studded lineup, shifting media focus away from the WNBA snub. Speculation is unconfirmed, but Ionescu could theoretically participate there—though she has not indicated this. The celebrity event serves as a distraction, but also highlights a potential marketing misstep by the WNBA. The league’s All-Star weekend strategy now faces scrutiny: prioritize star power or promote fresh talent?

Fan and media reactions are polarized. Social media amplifies the snub narrative, with critics calling the decision damaging to Ionescu’s relationship with the league. Expert opinions vary: some say the controversy boosts viewership, others argue it diminishes the contest’s credibility. Historical comparisons to past WNBA All-Star snubs are drawn, but the 3-point contest is a unique, skill-based event. The reality: the new guard—Fudd, Mabrey, Howard—must now deliver without the record-holder.

Azzi Fudd stands to benefit most. Her college shooting pedigree—career 42.6% from three at UConn—positions her as the potential breakout star. This platform can elevate her brand and the event’s future. The WNBA may need to reconsider its invitation process to avoid similar controversies. Fans should watch the contest to see if the new guard can perform under pressure. The core story: Fudd’s moment, not Ionescu’s absence.

Extended Reading

For context, the WNBA has not publicly commented on the invitation process. The State Farm celebrity lineup includes retired NBA players, actors, and musicians, but no WNBA players confirmed as of press time. The league’s official All-Star roster and contest details are expected closer to the July event.