Allisha Gray makes WNBA history in All-Star Skills Challenge and 3-point contest
Friday night was like a Dream for Atlanta All-Star Allisha Gray, who became the first woman in WNBA history to win both the 3-Point Contest as well as the Skills Challenge on the same night.
The South Carolina alum completed the skills circuit with a 32.1-second final round performance, overtaking the Phoenix Mercury’s Sophie Cunningham. After that, she participated in the 3-Point Contest where she downed the New York Liberty’s Jonquel Jones, defeating her 22-21 in the final round.
Not only is Gray taking home the title of double champ during All-Star weekend, she’s also cashing out on her way out of Phoenix. Both victories netted her $115,150 in winnings. For reference, her salary this season is $185,000 to play for the Atlanta Dream.
According to Her Hoop Stats on X, the winning purse of each contest totaled $57,575 with the WNBA allotted $2,575 to the winnings while Aflac covered the rest of the $55,000. Each win covered 31 percent of her annual salary.
Combining Gray’s annual salary with her All-Star winnings, ad Gray will earn over $300,000 during the 2024 WNBA season — over $50,000 more than a WNBA super max contract.
For what she plans to do with the cash? After winning the skills challenge she said that she may use it to open a small business. After she won the 3-point contest — she feels as though she’s earned herself a shopping spree.
While Gray becomes the first woman to win both competitions on the same night, she is the third person to claim both crowns overall. Becky Hammon was the first to do so after winning the 2007 Skills Challenge and the 2009 3-Point Contest. Sabrina Ionescu was the second to do so, winning the Skills Challenge in 2022 before being crowned 3-point champion in 2023.
Friday night’s festivities are just another feather in the cap of Gray, who has scored at career-high levels since joining the Dream in 2023. Through the All-Star break, Gray is averaging 15.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists despite Atlanta’s 7-17 record.
Gray will be in action once again on Saturday night when Team WNBA takes on the U.S. Women’s National team in Phoenix. The second All-Star appearance of her career, Gray will team up with rookies Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark to take on the star-studded team led by former Gamecocks teammate A’ja Wilson.
Opening tip is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET and will air live on ABC.