Liberty's Sabrina Ionescu addresses absence from WNBA 3-point contest: 'Never officially got invited'

Sage Steele discusses Caitlin Clark's frustration with inconsistent WNBA officiating after a non-call incident involving Clark. Steele criticizes the league for mishandling Clark, referencing a series of past controversial moments, arguing the WNBA risks losing its growing fanbase by not protecting its star.

The lineup for this year’s WNBA All-Star 3-point contest has been a talking point in the sports world since it was announced. 

New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu was among the most notable players absent from the annual competition.

Ionescu addressed the speculation ahead of Wednesday’s Liberty-Sky matchup, pushing back against reports that she chose not to participate in this weekend’s WNBA 3-point contest in Chicago. 

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"I can't decline an offer I never got officially invited to. So, was pretty surprised to see that. Never got invited," the defending 3-point contest champion told reporters pregame.

Caitlin Clark and Kayla McBride were also among the high-profile stars who reportedly declined invitations to the competition.

New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu competing in the Kia WNBA Skills Challenge and WNBA STARRY 3-Point Contest on July 18, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Mike Lawrence/NBAE via Getty Images)

"Whether it's against Steph Curry or in the W, I always go out and try and beat my record, every single time I've gone out," said Ionescu, who has won the 3-point contest twice, highlighted by her record-setting 37-point performance in 2023.

"I just kind of wanted to set the record straight," she continued. "Like that was just false, but I'm really excited for the participants in it, and obviously there's going to be a new winner.