Dallas Wings’ Azzi Fudd becomes first rookie to win 3-point shootout at WNBA All-Star weekend - NBC News

What the report says

NBC News, citing The Associated Press, reported that Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd became the first rookie to win the WNBA All-Star 3-point contest on Friday night in Chicago. Fudd, the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft, scored 30 points in the final round to beat Portland Fire player Bridget Carleton, who finished with 19 after posting a strong 29-point opening round.

Fudd’s winning total matched the second-highest score in the event’s history, equaling marks by Sabrina Ionescu and Allie Quigley; Ionescu’s 37-point performance in 2023 remains the record. Fudd opened the final by making her first six shots and said afterward she had not realized she was the first rookie champion. She also jokingly called for another shooting contest with Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry, referencing a previous matchup from when she attended his camp in high school.

The 3-point contest concluded the WNBA All-Star Friday events. In the newly introduced Shooting Stars competition, Team Washington — Elena Delle Donne, Shakira Austin and high school player Jezelle Banks — won with 31 points, edging Seattle in the final. Banks made key long-range 4-point shots from near midcourt, and Washington had also led the preliminary round with 35 points.

The report also noted increased prize money under the new collective bargaining agreement. Fudd earned $20,000 from the league for the 3-point title, while each participant received $10,000, with additional sponsor payments from Aflac. Those larger payouts add context to the weekend’s competitions as the WNBA continues expanding its All-Star events and compensation around them.