Caitlin Clark and Sabrina Ionescu, two of the most renowned players in the WNBA. She have opted out of participating in Friday’s 3-point contest in Phoenix.
Focus on the Olympics and Season Performance
Ionescu is gearing up for the Paris Olympics, where group play kicks off on July 29 against Japan. As reported by the Associated Press, she is concentrating on the Olympic camp. Conversely, Clark, Who was omitted from Team USA’s roster, is concluding the first months of what has been a groundbreaking start to her rookie year.
WNBA Media Rights Controversy
On Wednesday, the head of the WNBA players’ association, Terri Carmichael Jackson. She voiced objections regarding reports that the league would receive nearly $200 million annually as part of the NBA’s $75 billion. 11-year media rights agreement with Disney, NBC, and Amazon.
“We look forward to learning how the NBA arrived at a $200 million valuation—if initial reports are accurate or even close,” Carmichael Jackson said. This figure signifies a six-fold increase in the rights fee for the WNBA, which participated in the negotiations.
Record-Breaking Performances
In a remarkable display of skill, Clark set the WNBA’s single-game assist record with 19 assists later that evening. Despite her efforts, the Indiana Fever fell to the Dallas Wings, marking the end of the first half of the season. Clark, alongside Chicago’s Angel Reese, were the only two rookies named as all-stars this season.
Bonus Payouts and Financial Incentives
According to the WNBA’s latest collective bargaining agreement, players earn $1,030 for participating in the 3-point contest. With the winner taking home $2,575. After discussions regarding the bonus payout amounts emerged on social media, Nneka Ogwumike. President of the WNBPA and forward for the Seattle Storm, announced on X that insurance company. Aflac is “supplementing the league’s pay” and contributing an additional $55,000 to the winners’ payouts for the skills challenge and 3-point contest.
“This initiative is a testament to our commitment to promoting women in sports and celebrating the dedication and talent of these incredible players,” stated Garth Knutson, Aflac’s chief marketing officer.
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Participants in the 3-Point Contest
The lineup for this year’s 3-point contest includes Ionescu’s New York Liberty teammate Jonquel Jones, Stefanie Dolson (Washington Mystics), Allisha Gray (Atlanta Dream), Marina Mabrey (Connecticut Sun), and Kayla McBride (Minnesota Lynx).
During the NBA’s All-Star weekend in February, Ionescu competed in a 3-point contest against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry. Curry narrowly triumphed over Ionescu by three points. Ionescu was last year’s WNBA 3-point contest champion, having set a record by scoring 37 points in the final round, making 25 of her 27 shots.
All-Star Game Participation
Both Clark and Ionescu are set to participate in the WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday night, showcasing their exceptional talent and solidifying their status as two of the league’s premier players.
