It appears the NBA’s pursuit of Caitlin Clark to participate in its All-Star Weekend will come up short.
Sports Business Journal reported Tuesday that the WNBA sensation is “disinclined” to participate in a 3-point contest that likely would have seen her team with fellow WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu against NBA stars Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.
According to SBJ, Clark “is not interested” in shooting balls off a rack, standard procedure in a 3-point contest. She typically practices catch-and-shoot 3-pointers.
During last year’s All-Star Weekend, Curry and Ionescu competed in a 3-point contest. Shams Charania had reported last April that the NBA wanted to make it a two-on-two competition this year.
That proposal isn’t totally dead. SBJ noted the league is reportedly still discussing the issue with Clark’s representatives. “I wouldn’t say it’s over until the thing happens,” a source told SBJ. “A lot of this stuff comes together very, very late.”
Last year’s NBA vs. WNBA 3-Point Challenge, won by Curry, created quite a buzz. However, critics pointed out that Ionescu entered the contest at a disadvantage, shooting at the NBA’s 3-point distance rather than from the shorter WNBA arc.
So it’s perhaps understandable Clark might not want to disrupt her rhythm and shot by participating in a format that is unfamiliar to her.
It’s no surprise the NBA would like an association with Caitlin Clark during its All-Star Weekend. While NBA TV ratings have been in decline, Clark has helped spark a ratings and attendance boom in the WNBA.
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.