Sophie Cunningham is one of WNBA's best shooters, disappointed to not compete in 3-point contest
INDIANAPOLIS — Sophie Cunningham said Wednesday she was “not surprised” by her exclusion from this year’s WNBA 3-point competition.
“The league always gets in the league’s way,” she said before the Indiana Fever‘s game vs. the Connecticut Sun.
“I would have done it,” Cunningham later added. “I would have loved to win some money. I need to buy a boat, so that would have been fun. But it’s fine.”
The Fever veteran wing ranks second in 3-point percentage (43.7%) and averages around two makes per game (4.1 attempts). She finished last season third in 3-point percentage, firing a career-best 43.2% in 30 games.
Beyond basketball, the entertainment value Cunningham would have brought the event is undeniable. She recently went viral for pointing her finger at Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner during an in-game skirmish and has become one of the WNBA’s most recognizable personalities.
Cunningham took to social media Tuesday night to voice her displeasure, quoting a tweet from longtime trainer Drew Hanlen which read: “Second in the league in 3P% & not invited to the 3-Point Contest? They’re hating on you, @sophaller” with a screengrab of the league’s 3-point leaders attached.
Wrote Cunningham: “soooo what else is new with everyone?”
Second in the league in 3P% & not invited to the 3-Point Contest? They’re hating on you, @sophaller! https://t.co/KJfoSWXDrmpic.twitter.com/pa9k9gXb6y
— Drew Hanlen (@DrewHanlen) July 21, 2026
Cunningham has since deleted the tweet, because she “didn’t need to get into all of that.”
“I was going to keep that post up, (but) I’m like, you know what? Who cares? I’m fine,” she said. “The people that they chose, they are elite level shooters. They’re gonna have a lot of fun and they’re all qualified to be there, so good job to them. But yeah, I will let Drew speak on my behalf. He’s the best trainer in the entire world, so if he’s saying it, I think that’s pretty valid.”
No. 1 pick Azzi Fudd (Dallas Wings), Bridget Carleton (Portland Fire), Natisha Hiedeman (Seattle Storm), Rhyne Howard (Atlanta Dream), Marina Mabrey (Toronto Tempo) and Janelle Salaun (Golden State Valkyries) were selected to this year’s 3-point contest.
Fever guard Caitlin Clark declined an opportunity to compete in the event.
While she will not have the opportunity to contribute to her boat fund, Cunningham will be on a boat this weekend and plans to stop through Chicago for Friday’s WNBA All-Star festivities.
“I’m excited to get a little break, a refresh. I think everyone is,” Cunningham said.
“It’ll be cool to be around (other WNBA players) and spend some time where we’re not competing against them,” she continued. “We have some really fun girls in the league and it’s always fun when we can hang out and it’s not a big competition.”
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Sophie Cunningham is one of WNBA’s best shooters, disappointed to not compete in 3-point contest
