Azzi Fudd made WNBA history on Friday night by becoming the first rookie to win the league’s All-Star 3-point contest. The Dallas Wings guard and top pick in the recent draft claimed the title at the All-Star festivities in Chicago, scoring 30 points in the championship round to edge Portland’s Bridget Carleton. Fudd’s 30-point total tied for the second-highest score ever recorded in the event, matching performances by Sabrina Ionescu and Allie Quigley. Ionescu holds the record with 37 points set in 2023.
Fudd opened the finals by sinking her first six shots, establishing a strong rhythm that propelled her to victory. Carleton, representing the expansion Portland Fire, scored 29 points in the opening round but was held to 19 points in the final. Fresh from her win, Fudd humorously petitioned for a rematch with NBA star Steph Curry, recalling their previous 3-point competition during a camp she attended in high school.
The 3-point contest concluded the night’s events, which began with the inaugural Shooting Stars competition. Team Washington, composed of WNBA stars Elena Delle Donne and Shakira Austin alongside high school standout Jezelle Banks, secured the title by scoring 31 points against Team Seattle in the finals. Banks made a significant impact by sinking two 4-point shots from just inside halfcourt, earning praise from Austin for her confidence and poise.
The Shooting Stars event marked a new format for the All-Star weekend, replacing the previous skills competition. Teams had 70 seconds to accumulate points from seven designated shooting locations, with attempts ranging from layups to 4-point shots. Washington posted the highest preliminary round score with 35 points, with Banks again delivering crucial 4-point attempts.
Other notable 3-point contest participants included Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard, who scored 20 points; Golden State’s Janelle Salaun with 19; Toronto’s Marina Mabrey at 18; and Minnesota’s Natisha Heideman with 17 points. The finals drew a lively crowd including NBA stars Jayson Tatum, Russell Westbrook, Dwyane Wade, as well as NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Hall of Famer Sheryl Swoopes.
The newly implemented collective bargaining agreement significantly increased the prize money for the contests. Fudd received $20,000 for winning the 3-point contest, supplemented by an additional $20,000 bonus from sponsors, totaling $40,000. Carleton earned $30,000 for her second-place finish, and Howard collected $15,000 for third. Each contest participant was guaranteed at least $10,000 for the 3-point event, a substantial rise from the previous year’s payouts. Shooting Stars winners earned $15,000 each, with Aflac providing additional financial awards totalling $40,000 for Team Washington, $32,500 for Seattle, and $12,500 for Dallas.
Friday’s events showcased emerging talent and highlighted the growing financial incentives within the WNBA, underscoring the league’s continued investment in its players and fan engagement.