WNBA 3 Point Contest: Rules, Winners, Qualification and More
The WNBA 3 Point Contest is one of the most favorite events in the WNBA All-Star game. It tests the beyond-the-curve shooting abilities of the WNBA’s top shooters to get the best of the best. It was part of the All-Star Game from 2006 to 2010. However, the contest was then retrieved from the All-Star competition. Later on, it was again introduced to the league in 2017 and, since then, has continued within the All-Star contest.
Usually, the WNBA 3 Point Contest occurs in July each year, when the WNBA All-Star games occur during the league’s mid-season. Today, we are going to explore the details and rules of this three-point contest, along with the format of the competition.
What is the 3 Point Contest in WNBA?
The 3 Point contest is a competition that is held in WNBA among the top three-point shooters in the league. Just like the 3 point in the NBA, the format of the contest is almost the same. However, the time frame is much different from it. The WNBA players get 60 seconds to shoot all the balls from the prime five locations. However, NBA players get 70 seconds to shoot all the balls from the five spots on the three-point line.
How the WNBA 3 Point Contest Works
According to the WNBA 3 Point Contest working, three-point shooters will compete in the two-round. The contest follows a timed competition with ball racks positioned at five main shooting locations around the three-point arc. Four of the racks contain four official WNBA game balls worth one point each and one ‘money’ ball worth two points. The fifth rack consists of a special ‘all money ball’ rack, with every ball worth two points on scoring.
In addition, two ball pedestals will be positioned at deep shot locations called ‘The Starry Range.’ Each pedestal holds one special ball known as the ‘Starry’ ball. If the player scores the bucket with the special ball, then he will be awarded three points. The two players with the highest scores in the First Round will advance to the Final Round. Each participant in the contest has a limited time (typically 60 seconds) to complete all their shots. The player with the highest total score advances or wins the competition outright. The top three scorers from the first round move ahead to the final round. Ultimately, the player with the highest score in the final round is given the title of the champion. In case of a tie, a tiebreaker round is held to determine the winner.
Also Read: WNBA Playoff Format: Championships, Qualification Rules, and More
Breaking Down the WNBA 3 Point Contest Rules
The WNBA 3 Point contest has been the center of attention due to the rise of stars like Caitlin Clark and Sabrina Ionescu. However, they could not participate in the last 3 Point Contest due to their own commitments. It is known where they will contest in the upcoming competition. But we should know the rules first debating over the arrival of the stars in the 3 Point contest:
- Shooting the bucket from different locations: The six to eight participants in the 3 Point contest score the bucket from five different locations. These spots belong close to the three-point line. Each location has a rack of five basketballs.
- Time Limit: The Players get 60 seconds each to shoot as many of the 27 balls as they can before time runs out.
- Scoring System: Four of the balls in four of the racks are regular basketballs — make the 3, and it counts for one point. However, one ball in each rack is a multi-colored “money ball” that counts for two points. One rack is filled with five money balls, and the shooter gets to determine where that rack sits on the arc. The “Starry Balls” count for 3.
- Shooting Point: The player must shoot the ball from a place before the perimeter but not from the line or over the line. If that happens, then the shot will not be counted.
- Tiebreaker Rules: If there is a tie for the highest score in either round, a 30 second tiebreaker round is then organized. Players shoot from the same five spots, with the same point system, but with only 30 seconds on the clock.
Listing WNBA 3 Point Contest Winners
The short time limit for players fires up the anxiety among the fans about getting the best of the main beyond-the-arc bucket scorers. Therefore, the contest is already a hit, and the fanbase might experience a surge once Caitlin Clark enters the contest in the upcoming season. Here is the list of winning teams throughout the years.
| Rank | Team | Player Name | Wins | Years Won |
| 1 | Chicago Sky | Allie Quigley | 4 | 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022 |
| 2 | New York Liberty | Sabrina Ionescu | 1 | 2023 |
| 3 | Houston Comets | Dawn Staley | 1 | 2006 |
| 4 | Washington Mystics | Laurie Koehn | 1 | 2007 |
| 5 | San Antonio Silver Stars | Becky Hammon | 1 | 2009 |
| 6 | Indiana Fever | Katie Douglas | 1 | 2010 |
| 7 | Connecticut Sun | Shekinna Stricklen | 1 | 2019 |
| 8 | Atlanta Dream | Allisha Gray | 1 | 2024 |
Also Read: 2025 WNBA All-Star Game Players to Watch
When was the first WNBA 3 Point Contest held?
The first WNBA three-point contest was held in 2006.
Who is the best 3 point shooter in the WNBA?
Currently, Caitlin Clark is the best 3 point shooter in the WNBA.
Who has won the WNBA 3 point contest in 2024?
The Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray won the WNBA 3 point contest in 2024.
Who is eligible to participate?
In the WNBA, players are typically invited to the 3 point contest based on their current season performance in 3 point shooting accuracy, including their 3 point percentage, volume of 3 pointers made, and overall offensive contributions.
How is the winner determined in the 3 point contest?
The winner of the WNBA 3 point contest is the player with the highest score in the final round. The final round is played between the top three scorers from the first round.
What is the highest score ever recorded in the WNBA 3 Point Contest?
The highest score ever recorded in the WNBA 3 Point Contest is 37 points, set by Sabrina Ionescu in 2023. This score also happens to be the highest ever recorded in any 3 point contest, regardless of gender.