Sophie Cunningham’s WNBA All-Star snub looks even worse after latest decision

Sophie Cunningham will have to watch another part of WNBA All-Star Weekend from the sideline. The Indiana Fever guard was not selected for the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game despite enjoying one of the most efficient seasons of her career. Now, Cunningham has also been left out of Friday night’s 3-Point Contest, even though she ranks among the league’s best outside shooters.

The WNBA announced a six-player field featuring Dallas Wings rookie Azzi Fudd, Portland Fire forward Bridget Carleton, Seattle Storm guard Natisha Hiedeman, Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard, Toronto Tempo guard Marina Mabrey and Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaün. Cunningham’s omission is difficult to understand based purely on production.

Through 25 games, she is shooting a career-best 43.7 percent from beyond the arc while attempting 4.1 triples per game. Cunningham ranks sixth among qualified WNBA players in 3-point percentage and has made a strong case as a potential member of the exclusive 50-40-90 club. Yet none of that was enough to earn an invitation.

Sophie Cunningham had the numbers to earn a spot

Cunningham is averaging 9.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists while shooting 48.4 percent from the field and 89.4 percent at the free-throw line. Only Napheesa Collier and Elena Delle Donne have completed a WNBA season shooting at least 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from 3-point range and 90 percent at the line. Cunningham remains within striking distance of all three benchmarks, according to Swish Appeal.

Her shooting has been particularly valuable since Fever coach Stephanie White moved her into a reserve role. Cunningham opened the season as a starter but has flourished as one of Indiana’s primary options off the bench. She provided a perfect example against the Las Vegas Aces on July 13, making six 3-pointers and scoring 20 points. That performance tied her season high for made triples and demonstrated why White publicly supported her candidacy for the competition.

The Fever also had reason to expect this level of shooting. Cunningham led Indiana at 43.2 percent from beyond the arc during the 2025 season, which ranked third in the WNBA, according to the team’s official announcement after re-signing her.

Leaving her out once could be dismissed as an unfortunate numbers game. Leaving her out of both the All-Star Game and an event built around her greatest strength feels much harder to justify.

Cunningham made it clear she wanted to compete

Unlike several of the league’s biggest stars, Cunningham was open to participating.

“I don’t make any of those decisions,” Cunningham said while hosting a youth camp in Carmel, Ind., according to IndyStar’s Chloe Peterson. “I think it would be a cool opportunity if I get chosen. If I’m not, that’s OK.”

Cunningham’s measured response should not hide how much sense she would have made for the event. Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu and Kayla McBride were reportedly invited before declining. That gave the league multiple openings to add a player who combines elite shooting numbers with the personality required to make an All-Star event entertaining.

Cunningham checks both boxes. Her 43.7 percent mark is better than the current percentages of every announced competitor. Salaün owns the best percentage among the selected field at 39.4 percent, followed by Mabrey at 39.2 percent and Fudd at 38.8 percent. Those players are deserving participants. Fudd leads all rookies with 50 made triples, while Mabrey leads the entire league with 82. Cunningham’s exclusion does not require diminishing anyone who received an invitation.

It simply raises the question of what more Cunningham needed to do.

MORE: Caitlin Clark’s decision leaves door open for WNBA rookie to steal spotlight

WNBA passes on an obvious All-Star Weekend fit

A 3-point contest is supposed to bring together great shooters and compelling personalities. Cunningham has become one of the WNBA’s most recognizable players while producing the strongest shooting season of her career. She also would have brought additional intrigue as Clark’s teammate. With the Fever star declining her invitation, Cunningham could have given Indiana fans another player to support during Friday night’s festivities.

Instead, the Fever will not have a representative in the event. Cunningham has never been named a WNBA All-Star, and her move to the bench likely hurt her chances of breaking through this season. Her impact, however, has extended beyond whether she starts or enters during the first quarter.

Indiana is 16-10 and firmly in the playoff picture. Cunningham’s spacing, toughness and timely scoring have helped White build one of the league’s deepest rotations. The Fever guard may not receive an All-Star trophy or a chance to compete for the 3-point crown this weekend. Her numbers still make one thing clear.

Few players deserved that opportunity more.

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