Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd became the first rookie to win the WNBA All-Star 3-point contest on Friday, July 24, 2026, scoring 30 points in the finals at Chicago’s Wintrust Arena to top Portland Fire forward Bridget Carleton before immediately challenging Steph Curry to a rematch.
The 2026 WNBA All-Star weekend opened with a historic shooting performance as Dallas Wings rookie Azzi Fudd captured the 3-point contest crown in Chicago. Entering the event as the competition’s lone rookie, Fudd navigated a stacked field by hitting her first six shots in the championship round to finish with a stellar 30 points, matching the second-highest score in contest history.
Azzi Fudd’s Record-Setting Rookie Run in Chicago
Fudd entered the Friday night festivities carrying momentum from a standout debut season with the Wings, ranking among the league’s top 10 in total made 3-pointers. In the final round, she caught fire by connecting on 20 of 26 total attempts, including eight of her final 10 shots from beyond the arc. That performance edged out Portland Fire forward Bridget Carleton, who put up 19 points in the finals after setting a blistering pace with 29 points in the opening round.
Reflecting on her place in league history, the Dallas guard admitted she was unaware of the milestone until after the buzzer. I was shocked, that’s crazy to be the first is definitely an honor,
Fudd said after claiming the trophy.
Betting Odds and the Contender Field
Mabrey arrived in Chicago leading the league with 3.3 made 3-pointers per game, while Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard sat closely behind with 3.2.
The fierce competition also featured Seattle Storm guard Natisha Hiedeman and Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaün, who boasted the field’s highest efficiency at 39.4 percent from long range. Despite the star-studded lineup of perimeter threats, it was the Dallas rookie who ultimately outpaced the veteran sharpshooters under the Friday night lights.
Expanding Paydays and New CBA Stakes
A Playful Callout for a Stephen Curry Rematch
Fresh off her record-breaking victory, Fudd used her post-competition media availability to settle an old score from her teenage years. Having previously won a 3-point contest at Curry’s SC30 Select Camp back in 2018 as a 15-year-old, the rookie threw down a public challenge for a professional rematch.
“Steph if you’re listening, I’ve been asking for a rematch since high school. Maybe it’s our time.”
Azzi Fudd, Dallas Wings guard
Curry famously faced off against New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu in a special 3-point showdown at the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis, where Curry scored 29 points to edge Ionescu’s 26. With Ionescu absent from this year’s contest due to a lack of an official invitation—a communication breakdown that also drew public criticism from Minnesota Lynx star Kayla McBride regarding her own late invitation—the door is open for a new inter-league shooting spectacle.
Shooting Stars Kickoff and Unresolved Rematch Questions
The Friday night showcase began with the debut of the new Shooting Stars event, replacing the traditional skills challenge. Team Washington—consisting of Hall of Famer Elena Delle Donne, Shakira Austin, and high school prospect Jezelle Banks—captured the inaugural title with 31 points in the final round. Banks sealed the victory by sinking deep 4-point shots from just inside halfcourt, prompting Austin to praise her teammate’s poise under pressure: She carried. She carried.
As the All-Star break transitions into Saturday night’s main event at the United Center, the basketball world is left watching to see whether the Golden State Warriors star will respond to Fudd’s challenge, and whether the WNBA will formalize an inter-league rematch on a future All-Star stage.
