WNBA 3 Point Contest 2026: Caitlin Clark vs. Paige Bueckers Set to Headline All-Star Weekend.
The 2026 WNBA 3 Point Contest is officially scheduled for July 11, 2026, as part of the All-Star Weekend in Chicago.
The event will take place at Wintrust Arena. The contest is scheduled for Saturday evening, preceding the All-Star Game on Sunday.
Event Overview and Key Dates
The 3 Point Contest is a standalone showcase. It kicks off the weekend’s main events. The All-Star Game follows on July 12. Rosters for both events were announced June 25.
This marks the first time the contest features a head-to-head matchup between Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and UConn guard Paige Bueckers.
Star Power: Clark, Bueckers, and Lynx Stars
Clark leads the league in 3-point attempts per game (8.4). Bueckers, a rookie, is shooting 38.2% from deep.
Minnesota Lynx stars Napheesa Collier and Kayla McBride will also participate. McBride is a former 3-point contest champion.
Other contenders include Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum and New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu. Ionescu holds the contest record (37 points in 2024).
How to Watch
The 3 Point Contest will air on ABC and ESPN. Streaming is available on ESPN+.
Start time is 8:00 PM ET. International viewers can watch via NBA League Pass.
Live updates will be available on the WNBA’s official app and social media channels.
The Bigger Picture: League Challenges
The 2026 All-Star Weekend arrives amid ongoing league challenges. Key issues include charter flight logistics and player compensation.
The 3 Point Contest serves as a platform. Player activism around social justice initiatives is expected to be a central narrative.
The event also showcases the WNBA’s rising competitive depth. The Clark-Bueckers rivalry underscores the league’s growing talent pool.
Rosters, Predictions, and Historical Context
The 2026 3 Point Contest field features eight participants.
| Player | Team | 3PT% (2025-26) | Contest History |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caitlin Clark | Indiana Fever | 37.8% | First appearance |
| Paige Bueckers | Connecticut Sun | 38.2% | First appearance |
| Sabrina Ionescu | New York Liberty | 40.1% | 2024 champion (37 pts) |
| Kelsey Plum | Las Vegas Aces | 36.5% | 2023 finalist |
| Kayla McBride | Minnesota Lynx | 39.4% | 2021 champion |
| Napheesa Collier | Minnesota Lynx | 35.2% | First appearance |
Prediction: Ionescu is the statistical favorite. Clark, however, leads in volume and momentum.
The record of 37 points (Ionescu, 2024) is under threat. Clark averages 3.2 made 3-pointers per game.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: When and where is the 2026 WNBA 3 Point Contest?
- A: The contest is on July 11, 2026, at Wintrust Arena in Chicago as part of All-Star Weekend.
- Q: Who are the key participants in the 2026 contest?
- A: Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Napheesa Collier, Kayla McBride, Kelsey Plum, and Sabrina Ionescu are confirmed.
- Q: How can I watch the 2026 WNBA 3 Point Contest?
- A: It airs on ABC and ESPN at 8:00 PM ET, with streaming on ESPN+ and international access via NBA League Pass.
- Q: What is the record for the WNBA 3 Point Contest?
- A: Sabrina Ionescu holds the record with 37 points scored in 2024.
Extended Reading
According to Yahoo Sports, the Clark-Bueckers matchup is the most anticipated in the event’s history. ESPN confirmed the broadcast details. The Star Tribune reported that Lynx stars Collier and McBride will play central roles in the weekend’s narrative.