Azzi Fudd Becomes First Rookie to Win WNBA 3-Point Contest

I was shocked, that’s crazy to be the first is definitely an honor, Fudd said following her victory.

A Historic Performance

Fudd, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, entered the finals after scoring 24 points in the opening round, where she made four of her final five shots. In the championship round, she hit her first six shots, establishing a rhythm that carried her to a 30-point finish. This total is tied for the second-most in the history of the contest, equaling the marks previously set by Sabrina Ionescu and Allie Quigley. Ionescu currently holds the event record with 37 points, set in 2023.

Fudd’s opponent in the finals, Bridget Carleton of the expansion Portland Fire, reached the championship round after a stellar opening performance of 29 points, during which she hit 13 of her first 16 shots. However, Carleton struggled in the final round, scoring 19 points.

Other participants in the 3-point competition included: * Rhyne Howard (Atlanta): 20 points * Janelle Salaün (Golden State): 19 points * Marina Mabrey (Toronto): 18 points * Natisha Heideman (Minnesota): 17 points

Financial Stakes and New CBA

The victory resulted in a significant financial reward for Fudd under the terms of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Fudd received $20,000 for her win, while each participant in the contest was awarded $10,000. Additionally, Aflac provided supplemental prize money, bringing Fudd’s total take-home pay for the event to $40,000. Carleton received $30,000 for her second-place finish, and Howard earned $15,000 for placing third. These figures represent an increase of approximately eight times the prize money offered during the previous season.

Team Washington Wins Shooting Stars

The 3-point contest served as the capstone to Friday night’s events, which also featured the inaugural Kia WNBA Shooting Stars competition. Team Washington, consisting of Elena Delle Donne, Shakira Austin, and high schooler Jezelle “GG” Banks, claimed the championship with 31 points in the finals.

The format for the Shooting Stars event involved a two-round, timed competition where teams had 70 seconds to score from seven locations on the court, ranging from layups to 4-point shots. Banks proved pivotal for Washington, hitting two 4-pointers from just inside half court to secure the win.

She carried. She carried, Austin said of Banks. You could just tell in her energy, like as soon as we started, like it was confidence and I think that showed in how she hit those tough shots.

Seattle finished as the runner-up with 24 points after failing to convert any of their 4-point attempts. Other teams included the Detroit/Dallas squad—featuring Deanna Nolan, Jessica Shepard, and Morghan Reckley—and the Minnesota team, which placed fourth with 19 points.

Looking Ahead

Following her win, Fudd issued a playful challenge to Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry, requesting a rematch of a 3-point competition the two held when she attended his camp in high school. I mean Steph if you’re listening, I’m asking for a rematch, Fudd said.

The festivities at Wintrust Arena preceded the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game, which was scheduled for Saturday, July 25, at the United Center. The weekend also included WNBA Live at McCormick Place, marking a multi-day celebration of the league’s past and present talent.