The WNBA 3 Point Contest has grown into one of the most thrilling showcases of shooting skill in women’s basketball. Since its launch in 2006—and its revival in 2017—it has highlighted sharp-shooters, competitive drama, and unforgettable moments. In this comprehensive guide, we explore:You know about theglobespot, andaazdaily, openrendz and wnba 3 point contest winners also Buzzfeed.
-
The contest’s origins and evolution
-
All past winners and their standout performances
-
Records, rivalries, and breakthroughs
-
Spotlight on recent champions
-
Why the contest matters—and what lies ahead
Whether you’re a seasoned fan or simply intrigued by the art of the three-pointer, this guide offers a detailed, engaging look at every winner and milestone.
H2: Introduction to the WNBA 3 Point Contest
H3: What Is the WNBA 3 Point Contest?
The WNBA 3 Point Contest is a timed shooting competition held during All-Star festivities. Competitors shoot from five racks around the arc, each containing regular balls and a “money ball” worth extra points. Since 2017, the format has matched the NBA’s—with 27 balls in 70 seconds, and racks strategically designed for scoring impact.
This event tests precision, stamina, and poise under pressure.
H3: Why It Matters
This contest:
-
Highlights star shooters mid-season
-
Adds excitement to All-Star weekend
-
Elevates profile and fan engagement
-
Showcases true shooting artistry
Moreover, it empowers women athletes, celebrating skill mastery in a high-stakes format.
H2: Historical Timeline – Contest Eras & Champions
H3: The Early Years (2006–2010)
-
2006: Dawn Staley (Houston Comets) wins the inaugural title 17/30 Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2SBNation.com+3ESPN.com+3ESPN.com+3FanDuel+1Wikipedia+1.
-
2007: Laurie Koehn (Washington Mystics) takes victory with 25/30 FanDuel+1Wikipedia+1.
-
2009: Becky Hammon (San Antonio Silver Stars) scores 16/30 to claim victory FanDuel+1Wikipedia+1.
-
2010: Katie Douglas (Indiana Fever) finishes with 23/30 FanDuel+1Wikipedia+1.
Despite a hiatus after 2010, these events laid strong foundations.
H3: Resurgence Era (2017–present)
The contest returned at All-Star in 2017 and has grown ever since.
Winners by Year:
-
2017: Allie Quigley (Chicago Sky) hits 27/34 Swish Appeal+15Wikipedia+15NetsDaily+15
-
2018: Allie Quigley repeats with 29/34 in a tiebreaker WikipediaWikipedia
-
2019: Shekinna Stricklen (Connecticut Sun) wins with 23/34 CT Insider+15FanDuel+15AP News+15
-
2021: Allie Quigley scores 28/40 AP News+14Wikipedia+14NBA.com: NBA Communications+14
-
2023: Sabrina Ionescu sets a record with 37/40 AP News+3NBA.com: NBA Communications+3New York Post+3
-
2024: Allisha Gray wins with 22/40 Indiana Fever+10ESPN.com+10AP News+10
-
2025: Sabrina Ionescu claims her second title with 30/40 New York PostESPN.comESPN.com
H2: Spotlight on Iconic Winners
H3: Dawn Staley – Trailblazing Inaugural Champion (2006)
The legend began with Dawn Staley’s clinical precision in 2006. With the title and 17/30, she set the tone for future competitions. This win cemented Staley’s legacy off the court as a coach and icon in women’s basketball NetsDaily+14FanDuel+14CT Insider+14.
H3: Allie Quigley – Queen of the Arc
-
2017: 27/34
-
2018: 29/34 (won tiebreaker)
-
2021: 28/40
-
2022: 30/40
Quigley holds the record for most wins—four in total WikipediaESPN.com+4FanDuel+4SBNation.com+4. Known for her rhythm and consistency, she remains an icon of long-range accuracy.
H3: Sabrina Ionescu – Record-Breaking Sharpshooter
In 2023, Ionescu erupted with 37 points—a historic score that broke records across both WNBA and NBA contests Swish Appeal+14Wikipedia+14Reuters+14. She returned in 2025 to secure her second title with 30 points Wikipedia+2ESPN.com+2CBSSports.com+2, proving dominance in the art of shooting.
H3: Allisha Gray – Consistent Competitor
In 2024, Gray’s shooting clinched the contest at 22/40 Reuters+7Wikipedia+7SBNation.com+7. Though she couldn’t repeat in 2025, her consistency placed her among elite shooters AP NewsWikipedia.
H3: Other Champions
-
2007: Laurie Koehn – the first non-champion winner NBA.com: NBA Communications+5FanDuel+5CT Insider+5
-
2009: Becky Hammon – a WNBA great FanDuel+1CBSSports.com+1
-
2010: Katie Douglas – known for clutch shooting FanDuel+1Wikipedia+1
-
2019: Shekinna Stricklen – after the break she seized victory FanDuel
H2: Memorable Moments & Records
H3: Quigley’s Dominance
Her four titles bracket eras: foundational wins in 2017/18 and comebacks in 2021/22 FanDuelWikipedia.
H3: Ionescu’s Record
Her 37-point round in 2023 now stands as the highest score recorded in contest history (WNBA or NBA) WikipediaWikipedia. In 2025, her 30-point final round proved consistency under pressure SBNation.com+9ESPN.com+9CBSSports.com+9.
H3: Tiebreakers & Drama
2018’s showdown had Quigley recovering from a tie to clinch victory Indiana Fever+7Wikipedia+7ESPN.com+7. Meanwhile, 2021 introduced new rack formats and bonus shots Wikipedia.
H2: All Stars Contending in 2025
H3: 2025 Contestants
-
Sabrina Ionescu (defending champion)
-
Allisha Gray (Atlanta Dream)
-
Kelsey Plum (Los Angeles Sparks)
-
Lexie Hull (Indiana Fever) – late addition Indiana Fever+15Reuters+15AP News+15
-
Sonia Citron (Washington Mystics) FanDuel+12SBNation.com+12CBSSports.com+12
Ionescu clinched back-to-back wins with 30 points New York Post+5ESPN.com+5ESPN.com+5.
H2: Why the 3 Point Contest Resonates
H3: Pure Skill Showcase
No fouls. No defense. Just sharp-shooting under pressure.
H3: Fan Engagement and Accessibility
Short format. High stakes. National broadcast. Fans love the drama.
H3: Empowering Women Athletes
It highlights the top-tier shooting talent in women’s basketball.
H2: Trends & Techniques in Shooting
H3: Mental Fortitude
Winners like Ionescu and Quigley stress staying calm—treat each shot the same.
H3: Practice Routines
Challengers train extensively at multiple racks and simulate time pressure.
H3: New Formats & Bonus Shots
Evolving rules—like deeper shots and bonus balls—keep the event fresh.
H2: What to Expect Next
H3: Rising Stars
Look for athletic sharpshooters like Kelsey Plum, emerging talents like Citron, or new challengers making their mark.
H3: Format Tweaks
Expect more exciting formats: faster timers, deeper racks, or team formats.
H3: Prize Money Growth
Contest winners have earned up to $60,000 in recent years Wikipedia. Long-term, expect the stakes to rise.
H2: How Fans Can Follow & Engage
H3: Watch on TV or Stream
All-Star events air on ESPN, ABC, and Disney+. Free trials often include access ESPN.com+3CT Insider+3New York Post+3.
H3: Social Media Buzz
Players, teams, and fans light up platforms like Twitter and TikTok during competitions.
H3: In-Game & Postgame Analysis
Media outlets like ESPN, CBSSports, SB Nation, and FanDuel offer reviews, stats, and commentary ESPN.comCBSSports.comFanDuel.
H2: Summary of All Winners
| Year | Winner | Team | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Dawn Staley | Houston Comets | 17/30 |
| 2007 | Laurie Koehn | Washington Mystics | 25/30 |
| 2009 | Becky Hammon | San Antonio Silver Stars | 16/30 |
| 2010 | Katie Douglas | Indiana Fever | 23/30 |
| 2017 | Allie Quigley | Chicago Sky | 27/34 |
| 2018 | Allie Quigley | Chicago Sky | 29/34 |
| 2019 | Shekinna Stricklen | Connecticut Sun | 23/34 |
| 2021 | Allie Quigley | Chicago Sky | 28/40 |
| 2022 | Allie Quigley | Chicago Sky | 30/40 |
| 2023 | Sabrina Ionescu | NY Liberty | 37/40 |
| 2024 | Allisha Gray | Atlanta Dream | 22/40 |
| 2025 | Sabrina Ionescu | NY Liberty | 30/40 |
H2: Conclusion
The WNBA 3 Point Contest isn’t just a side event—it’s a celebration of precision, nerves, and pure shooting excellence. From Dawn Staley’s debut to Allie Quigley’s supremacy and Sabrina Ionescu’s historic feats, this contest has evolved into a pillar of All-Star Weekend—and women’s basketball at large. As the WNBA fosters emerging talent, shooting skills, and competitive spirit, we can expect even more electrifying moments ahead.
