Sophie Cunningham was a notable omission in the WNBA’s list of participants for the 2026 3-point contest during this year’s All-Star events. She is shooting 43.7% from deep this season, the best in her eight-year career.
The Indiana Fever guard’s exclusion promptly sparked strong reactions from the WNBA world.
WNBA Community Erupts After Sophie Cunningham’s Surprising 3-Point Contest Snub
Cunningham’s shooting efficiency this year is sixth in the league, forcing WNBA observers to react to her snub from the 3-point shootout on Friday in Chicago.
Bridget Carleton (Fire), Azzi Fudd (Wings), Natisha Hiedeman (Storm), Rhyne Howard (Dream), Marina Mabrey (Tempo), and Janelle Salaun (Valkyries) will compete for the top prize.
Without one of the league’s most popular players and 3-and-D specialists, the WNBA community erupted.
“Welcome to the W, where politics seems to matter more than basketball,” an X user wrote.
Welcome to the W, where politics seems to matter more than basketball.
— Silver Spring (@torres1275) July 21, 2026
“Ridiculous. The @WNBA is not a serious league. What a complete joke,” Bob Morgan, a Pacers supporter, tweeted.
Ridiculous. The @WNBA is not a serious league. What a complete joke.
— Bob Morgan (@BobMorgan1964) July 21, 2026
“Second in the league in 3P% & not invited to the 3-Point Contest? They’re hating on you, @sophaller!” skills and shooting coach Drew Hanlen added.
Second in the league in 3P% & not invited to the 3-Point Contest? They’re hating on you, @sophaller! https://t.co/KJfoSWXDrm pic.twitter.com/pa9k9gXb6y
— Drew Hanlen (@DrewHanlen) July 21, 2026
“Really?! This league cannot be taken serious,” another X user reacted.
Really?! This league cannot be taken serious. pic.twitter.com/TJlJAukD4W
— Jeremiah Wheatley (@jrwheatl22) July 21, 2026
“I feel like I saw this once a week at this point, but the WNBA is the worst run league in the world. How is the NBA not stepping in and fixing their inability to market likable and marketable players?” a WNBA supporter commented.
In the WNBA’s announcement, the league highlighted not efficiency, but 3-point field goals made. Mabrey leads that category with 82, while Howard is second with 79. Salaun (67), Carleton (65), and Hiedeman (57) are ranked No. 5, 6, and 7, respectively, on the list. Fudd is tied for 10th with 50, while Cunningham is at No. 16 with 45.
Howard leads the WNBA with 223 attempts, followed by Mabrey with 209, per Basketball Reference.
Carleton (170), Salaun (170), Hiedeman (162), and Fudd (129) are also among the league leaders. Cunningham did not breach the top 20.
Cunningham’s teammate, Kelsey Mitchell, had the strongest case of making the competition but couldn’t get in. She ranked No. 10 in efficiency (42.3%), tied for 3rd in 3-point field goals made (71), and sixth in 3-point attempts (168).
The 6-foot-1 Cunningham is also one of the biggest draws in the WNBA, making league observers even more surprised with her snub. Her finger-pointing meme against the Phoenix Mercury last month has been celebrated and replicated across social media, prompting the White House to join the trend.
