CHICAGO — In a seminal moment for women's basketball, Dallas Wings guard and No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd made history on Saturday, July 25, 2026, by becoming the first rookie to ever win the WNBA All-Star 3-Point Contest.

The watershed performance took place at Chicago's Wintrust Arena, capping off a thrilling All-Star Weekend that culminated in the main event at the United Center. Fudd started her final round strong, hitting all five balls in her first rack from the left corner and eventually swishing 20 of 26 shots to finish with a staggering 30 points.

The victory is not only a personal triumph but also a continuation of a storied legacy. Fudd becomes the first University of Connecticut player to win the competition, adding another mind-boggling footnote to the talented Huskies pipeline that has consistently shaped the WNBA.

Beyond the historical significance, the win was highly lucrative. Fudd earned a record $60,000 in prize money, combining the increased $20,000 payout from the new collective bargaining agreement with a $40,000 commitment from sponsor Aflac. All other participants received $10,000 each, with Carleton earning an additional $30,000 from Aflac and third-place finisher Rhyne Howard netting $15,000.

Despite the monumental achievement, a casual bystander might never guess by looking at Fudd's expression that she had just netted a historic shooting contest. Known for her unflappable demeanor, Fudd took the court first in the one-on-one face-off, missing only six shots and hitting a back-breaking money ball to seal the victory.

Following her 3-Point Contest victory, Fudd transitioned seamlessly into the main All-Star Game at the United Center, serving as the only 2026 All-Star rookie selection to take the floor alongside established veterans. Her presence underscores a paradigm shift in the league, where elite rookie talent is immediately impacting the highest levels of competition.