The 2025 NBA All-Star Game was set to feature a 2v2 shootout between NBA stars Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson and WNBA stars Sabrina Ionescu and Caitlin Clark. The excitement surrounding this unique event had already captured the imagination of basketball fans everywhere.
However, the NBA announced that this exciting shootout would no longer be taking place. Shams Charania reported the news first, revealing that the NBA canceled the shootout between Curry and Ionescu. The NBA confirmed the decision through Executive Vice President Mike Bass, who explained the cancellation.
“We weren’t able to land on a plan we thought would raise the bar off of last year’s special moment. We all agreed not to proceed and will instead keep the focus on All-Star Sunday’s new format,” Bass said.
NBA-WNBA shootout with Stephen Curry and Sabrina Ionescu is off. NBA's Mike Bass: "We weren't able to land on a plan we thought would raise the bar off of last year’s special moment. We all agreed not to proceed and will instead keep the focus on All-Star Sunday’s new format.”
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 13, 2025
The shootout’s cancellation is a significant disappointment, especially given the strong reaction it generated last year. The potential for a Curry and Thompson vs. Ionescu and Clark match-up had already been building as fans reflected on the viral moment from the previous All-Star weekend.
Caitlin Clark Declines Invitation For NBA All-Star Shootout In The 2025 All-Star Game
Reportedly, Caitlin Clark officially declined the invitation. According to a Sports Business Journal report, Clark decided to prioritize her 3-point debut at the WNBA All-Star Game in July, which would take place at her home arena.
“Caitlin Clark has formally declined an invitation to be part of a male vs. female 3-point contest at next month’s NBA All-Star Game, preferring to make her 3-point shooting debut at the WNBA All-Star Game at her home arena in July,” the report read.
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This move by Clark leaves fans yearning for a different type of historic showdown. However, while the shootout is no longer on the schedule, fans can still look forward to the revamped All-Star weekend format.
