WNBA Reveals Why Caitlin Clark and Sabrina Ionescu Aren't Competing in All-Star Three-Point Contest

The women's basketball community experienced collective disappointment on Wednesday night when the 2024 WNBA All-Star Three-Point Contest participants were revealed.

Despite the contest still featuring many elite shooters and WNBA superstars, fans were upset because neither Indiana Fever star rookie Caitlin Clark nor New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu are partaking in the event.

Given that these two sharpshooters are adored by fans and praised for their three-point prowess, the world was eager to see them compete against one another in Friday's Three-Point Contest.

But Clark and Ionescu not participating in the event is not because they weren't asked.

AP women's basketball write Doug Feinberg wrote on X Thursday, "The @WNBA confirmed that [Sabrina Ionescu] and [Caitlin Clark] were invited for 3-point contest and declined participating. Ionescu is taking part in the Olympic camp which is getting ready for the Paris Games."

Considering the cryptic comments from both Clark and Ionescu in recent weeks of them remaining noncommittal about taking part in the Friday's All-Star Weekend event, perhaps fans shouldn't be surprised.

What's for sure is that both women deserve a break before Saturday's WNBA All-Star game takes place.

Related: Sabrina Ionescu's Cryptic All-Star Announcement Sparks Caitlin Clark Contest Concerns

Related: WNBA Legend Rebecca Lobo Takes Firm Stance on Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese Rookie of the Year Debate