Caitlin Clark and Sabrina Ionescu, two of the WNBA’s best-known people, declined to participate in Friday’s 3-point battle in Phoenix.
Ionescu is preparing for the Paris Olympics—group enjoy begins July 29 against Japan—and, according to the Associated Press, is focusing on the Olympian station. Clark, who was left off Team USA’s squad, is finishing the first few weeks of what’s been a record-setting second half of her rookie plan.
On Wednesday, WNBA people ‘ relationship head Terri Carmichael Jackson objected to information that the club would receive practically$ 200 million every as part of the NBA’s$ 75 billion, 11-year press freedom deal 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 in a statement. The number represents a six-fold boost in the right compensate for the WNBA, which was gathering to the conversations.

Later that evening, Clark helped the Indiana Fever come to an end to the season against the Dallas Wings, breaking the WNBA’s single-game help history with 19. She and Chicago’s Angel Reese were the only two rookie named as all-stars.
According to the WNBA’s most recent collective bargaining agreement, players earn$ 1, 030 for participating in the 3-point contest, with the winner receiving$ 2, 575.
Nneka Ogwumike, president of the WNBPA and Seattle Storm forward, announced on X that Aflac is” supplementing the league’s pay” and will add$ 55,000 to the winners ‘ payouts for the skills challenge and 3-point contest after discussions about the bonus payouts were made public on social media.
” This program is a testament to our dedication to promoting women in sports and celebrating the commitment and expertise of these amazing people”, Garth Knutson, Aflac’s chief marketing officer, said in a statement.
The WNBA did n’t respond right away to inquire as to whether this was permitted by the CBA.
The participants in this year’s 3-point contest include 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 ).
Ionescu and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry battled it out for three points during the NBA’s All-Star weekend in February. After posting a record-setting 37 points in the final round and making 25 of 27 shots, Ionescu won the W’s 3-point contest last year.
On Saturday night, both Clark and Ionescu will play in the WNBA All-Star Game. ( This story has been updated with information on the Aflac bonus payouts and the details of the NBA/WNBA media rights agreement and rookie all-star selections. )