Sophie Cunningham Omitted from All-Star Weekend Events

Cunningham’s Statistical Performance

Through 25 games this season Sophie Cunningham posted a career‑best 43.7 percent shooting from three‑point range while attempting 4.1 threes per contest. She ranks sixth in the WNBA among qualified players in that metric and is in striking distance of the elusive 50‑40‑90 club. Her overall averages sit at 9.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists, backed by a 48.4 percent field‑goal clip and an 89.4 percent free‑throw rate. Only Napheesa Collier and Elena Delle Donne have ever completed a WNBA season hitting at least 50 percent from the floor, 40 percent from deep and 90 percent from the line.

Cunningham delivered a highlight reel performance against the Las Vegas Aces on July 13, knocking down six three‑pointers and scoring 20 points. That outing tied her season high for made triples and illustrated why Fever coach Stephanie White publicly backed her candidacy for the contest. Her play has become a staple of Indiana’s offensive scheme, providing the spacing and timely scoring that complement the team’s deeper rotation.

After re‑signing for the 2025 campaign, Indiana’s official announcement noted Cunningham’s 43.2 percent three‑point shooting, which positioned the Fever third in the league for perimeter efficiency. The team’s success—currently 16‑10 and firmly in the playoff picture—leans heavily on her ability to create separation and finish in traffic. Even after shifting from a starter to a bench role, her impact remains evident on both ends of the floor.

Removal from the 2026 All‑Star Game and 3‑Point Contest

Despite the strong numbers, Cunningham was left out of the 2026 WNBA All‑Star Game and also omitted from Friday night’s three‑point contest. The six‑player field for the shootout includes Dallas rookie Azzi Fudd, Portland forward Bridget Carleton, Seattle guard Natisha Hiedeman, Atlanta guard Rhyne Howard, Toronto guard Marina Mabrey and Golden State forward Janelle Salaün. Salaün leads the announced participants with a 39.4 percent three‑point rate, followed closely by Mabrey at 39.2 percent and Fudd at 38.8 percent. Cunningham’s 43.7 percent clip outperforms every selected competitor.

When asked about potentially participating, Cunningham said she would be open to the experience but accepted the decision with a calm attitude. “I think it would be a cool opportunity if I get chosen. If I’m not, that’s OK,” she remarked during a youth camp in Carmel, Indiana. Several league stars such as Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu and Kayla McBride reportedly received invitations before declining, leaving room for a player who combines elite shooting with fan‑friendly personality. Cunningham checks both boxes, offering Indiana fans a local hero to rally behind during the weekend festivities.

The Fever will now watch the 3‑point showdown from the sidelines without a representative. Cunningham has never earned All‑Star recognition, and her move to a reserve role may have further hindered a breakthrough this season. Nevertheless, her scoring, toughness and ability to stretch defenses have helped coach White build one of the league’s deeper rotations.

Impact on the Indiana Fever

Indiana sits at 16‑10 and remains in the thick of the playoff race, a testament to the depth created around Cunningham’s playmaking. When Coach Stephanie White shifted Cunningham to the bench, she quickly became a primary option off the bench, delivering crucial buckets and defensive stops. Her consistent three‑point shooting provides spacing that opens lanes for teammates and forces opponents to adjust their defensive schemes.

Fever officials praised her shooting after re‑signing, citing her third‑best team three‑point percentage in the league. Cunningham’s ability to stretch the floor and create high‑percentage looks for teammates has become a cornerstone of Indiana’s offensive identity. Even without an All‑Star trophy or a chance to compete for the three‑point crown, her numbers continue to speak to her value.

Fan polls and social media chatter highlight the frustration over her snub, emphasizing that few players have produced a more deserving résumé for All‑Star honors. The prevailing sentiment is that Cunningham’s omission is a missed opportunity for the league to showcase one of its most reliable shooters. Her impact on the court, however, remains undeniable and will likely influence how other teams evaluate bench contributions.

How the Selection Compares to Other Contestants

The 3‑point contest field showcases a mix of experience and emerging talent, yet Cunningham’s shooting percentage remains the highest among the announced group. Azzi Fudd leads rookies with 50 made threes, while Marina Mabrey tops the league with 82 makes, but both lag behind Cunningham’s efficiency. Salaün’s 39.4 percent places her just above Mabrey and Fudd, yet still below Cunningham’s career‑best mark.

The league’s selection process appears to weigh factors beyond raw numbers, including marketability and star power. With high‑profile players opting out, there was clear room for a player who could both shoot and engage fans. Cunningham’s blend of solid stats and approachable demeanor made her a logical fit for the event. Her exclusion raises questions about what additional criteria the organizers prioritize when filling the limited spots.

Adding a proven shooter like Cunningham would have amplified the contest’s competitive balance and given fans another storyline to follow. The 3‑point showdown is built to highlight top shooters, and Cunningham’s presence would have reinforced that purpose. Even without her, the event will still feature strong talent, but the missed chance remains evident.

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