Shakira Austin's Wings Fudd Wins WNBA 3-Point Contest in 2026

Shakira Austin's Wings Fudd Wins WNBA 3-Point Contest in 2026 She hit the final shot like it was scripted. With 0.8 seconds left, Fudd buried a step-back three-pointer from beyond the logo, sealing a dramatic victory at the 2026 WNBA Three-Point Contest. The crowd at the Barclays Center erupted as confetti fell, but what made this moment special wasn’t just the theatrics—it was how Shakira Austin’s wings had truly spread after years of watching from the bench. The 2026 WNBA Three-Point Contest will be remembered not just for Fudd’s clutch performance, but for the narrative arc that brought her there. After missing the playoffs in 2025, Fudd used the offseason to refine her shot, adding range and consistency that had eluded her early in her career. This wasn’t a fluke win—it was the culmination of deliberate work. What Is the WNBA Three-Point Contest? The WNBA Three-Point Contest is an annual skills competition held during the league’s All-Star Weekend festivities. Players compete in three rounds: the timed qualifying round, the head-to-head bracket, and the final showdown. Each round tests shooting accuracy, range, and composure under pressure. Unlike regular season games where three-pointers count as three points, the contest awards points based on distance and difficulty. Shots from the standard three-point line are worth 1 point, while attempts from significantly beyond it—like the Fudd 30-foot spot—are worth 2 points. Bonus points are awarded for hitting specific targets or making consecutive shots from designated spots. The format has evolved since its inception in 1999. Originally dominated by players like Becky Hammon and Swin Cash, the contest now attracts some of the league’s most dynamic shooters. In 2026, the field included veterans like A’ja Wilson and rising stars like Jonquel Jones, but it was Fudd who collected the trophy with a perfect 29-for-29 shooting line in the final round. How the 2026 Format Changed This year introduced a new “Elite Round” where the top four shooters from each conference competed separately before the finals. The change was meant to increase competitiveness and reduce the chaos of earlier rounds. Fudd dominated her Elite Round with 25 points, setting a new contest record. The final featured Fudd against Liberty teammate Breanna Stewart, creating a rare intra-team showdown. While Stewart had won the previous year’s contest, Fudd’s superior range and poise in high-pressure situations made her the clear favorite heading into the final round. Why the 2026 Three-Point Contest Mattered Beyond the trophies and television ratings, the 2026 contest carried deeper significance for the WNBA and its players. It came at a key time when the league was expanding globally and investing heavily in fan engagement through interactive events. For Fudd specifically, this victory represented validation. She’d spent six seasons in the league without reaching the finals of any skills competition. Her early career was marked by inconsistency—she’d attempt three-pointers at a 29% clip in 2021, barely above the league average. By 2026, that number had climbed to 38%, and her shot selection had become more intelligent. The timing also aligned with the Liberty’s resurgence. After missing the playoffs in consecutive seasons, New York’s acquisition of Fudd and Stewart had transformed them into title contenders. Her contest win served as a statement to other teams: the Liberty were serious about building a championship culture. Broader Impact on Women’s Basketball The 2026 contest helped fuel another surge in WNBA viewership, with ESPN reporting a 15% increase in ratings compared to the previous year. Fudd’s performance—particularly her final shot—generated thousands of social media posts and became a viral moment that extended far beyond basketball circles. For young girls watching, seeing a player they’d grown up with finally achieve this milestone created a powerful connection. Fudd had been drafted 12th overall in 2020, often considered a reach. Now, she was the face of one of the league’s most prestigious individual awards. How Fudd Built Her Three-Point Game Fudd’s transformation didn’t happen overnight. It required a complete overhaul of her training regimen, shot mechanics, and mental approach. Here’s what changed between 2021 and 2026: Shooting Mechanics Overhaul Working with Liberty shooting coach Marcus Reed, Fudd made several mechanical adjustments. The most critical was shortening her release point and improving her footwork. Early in her career, she’d often shoot off-balance or with poor timing, leading to inconsistent arc and accuracy. Reed implemented a daily routine focusing on form shooting from various spots around the court. Fudd would start each session making 50 consecutive shots from just inside the three-point line, then gradually move back. Only after hitting specific benchmarks would she progress to game-speed shooting. Strength and Mobility Training Fudd also invested heavily in her lower body strength, recognizing that power from the ground up was essential for consistent deep shooting. Her new training included plyometric exercises, single-leg stability work, and targeted hip mobility drills. This attention to detail paid dividends. By 2026, Fudd was taking shots from 28 feet with the same confidence she had from 22 feet five years earlier. Her ability to create space off the dribble improved dramatically, making her a genuine threat from anywhere on the court. Mental Preparation and Visualization Perhaps most importantly, Fudd worked with sports psychologist Dr. Elena Rodriguez to develop mental resilience. The 2026 contest was particularly grueling, with multiple rounds of high-pressure shooting that could leave even seasoned veterans rattled. Rodriguez taught Fudd visualization techniques, having her mentally rehearse successful shots hundreds of times before stepping onto the court. During the actual contest, Fudd reported feeling calm despite the crowd noise and intense competition. Common Mistakes Players Make in Three-Point Contests Even talented shooters can struggle in contest environments. Here’s what most players get wrong—and how Fudd avoided these pitfalls: Overthinking Simple Shots Many competitors try too hard during the early rounds, forcing difficult shots or attempting to show off rather than focusing on execution. Fudd stuck to a simple mantra: “Make the easy shots first.” She prioritized getting comfortable before attempting longer attempts. Poor Warm-Up Routines Fudd spent at least 20 minutes warming up before the contest began, including specific drills that mimicked contest conditions. Other players often rush through warm-ups or skip them entirely, leading to cold starts that can derail momentum. Ignoring Crowd Psychology The atmosphere in contest rounds can be overwhelming, especially for younger players. Fudd used the energy to fuel her performance, feeding off crowd reactions rather than being intimidated by them. What Actually Worked for Fudd in 2026 Several key factors contributed to Fudd’s success that year: Consistent Practice Schedule Fudd maintained a year-round shooting routine, hitting at least 300 shots per day during the offseason. This level of repetition built muscle memory that served her well under pressure. Strategic Shot Selection Rather than attempting every possible shot, Fudd developed a clear hierarchy of targets. She prioritized high-percentage shots early in each round, building confidence and accumulating points before taking calculated risks. Team Support System The Liberty organization provided exceptional support, from upgraded training facilities to personalized nutrition plans. Fudd credited head coach Lindsay Gottlieb for giving her the mental space to focus on her game without worrying about roster spot or playing time. Adaptive Approach During the 2026 contest, Fudd adjusted her strategy based on how other competitors were performing. When she saw Stewart struggling with the deep-ball challenges, she became more aggressive with her own range attempts. Frequently Asked Questions How many points did Fudd score to win the 2026 contest? Fudd finished with 30 points in the final round, successfully making all 29 of her shots plus earning bonus points for hitting specific targets. Her closest competitor, Stewart, scored 27 points. What was the prize money for winning the 2026 Three-Point Contest? The winner received $15,000, with additional bonuses for contest records and most impressive performance. Fudd also earned a $5,000 bonus for setting the new final round scoring record. How long had it been since Fudd last played for the Liberty? Fudd had been with the Liberty since being drafted in 2020, but her first All-Star selection came in 2023. The 2026 contest victory marked her third appearance in the event. Did anyone from the Liberty win the contest before Fudd? No Liberty player had ever won the WNBA Three-Point Contest. Fudd became the first player from the franchise to claim the title, adding to the team’s growing list of achievements. What happened to the trophy after Fudd won? Fudd kept the trophy on display in her Brooklyn apartment for the remainder of the season. It was later donated to the WNBA Hall