NBA All-Star Saturday Night has a new event in 2024.
In addition to the usual Skills Challenge, 3-Point Contest and Dunk Contest, Warriors star Stephen Curry and Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu will go head-to-head in their own 3-Point Challenge.
The showdown has been months in the making. Ionescu tweeted at Curry after her record-breaking performance in last year's WNBA All-Star 3-Point Contest asking for a shootout. Curry then hinted at the possibility while he was mic'd up for a nationally televised game on TNT in late January.
"We've gotta settle this once and for all," Curry said.
Curry is widely considered to be the greatest shooter in NBA history. Ionescu is only four seasons into her WNBA career, but she's established herself as one of the league's best shooters. She set a WNBA record last season by knocking down 128 3-pointers while connecting on them at a 44.8% clip.
It will be a historic event, as it's the first time an NBA and WNBA player will face off in this kind of competition.
How will "Stephen vs. Sabrina" work? Here's everything you need to know.
LIVE: Follow Stephen Curry vs. Sabrina Ionescu updates
Stephen Curry vs. Sabrina Ionescu 3-Point Challenge format
The 3-Point Challenge between Curry and Ionescu will follow the same format as the NBA All-Star weekend's 3-Point Contest.
There will be five racks across the 3-point line. Four racks will have four normal basketballs, each of which is worth one point, and one "money" ball, which is worth two points. The fifth rack will feature only money balls. Both Curry and Ionescu will be able to choose which rack they want to be their money ball rack.
Additionally, there are two "STARRY Range" shots, which are worth three points each. Starry Range is 29 feet and nine inches away from the basket.
The maximum amount of points Curry and Ionescu can get in one round is 40.
Curry will shoot from the NBA line with NBA basketballs. Ionescu will shoot from the WNBA line with WNBA basketballs.
NBA vs. WNBA 3-point line
The NBA's 3-point line is 23 feet and nine inches away from the basket at the top of the key. The 3-point line is slightly closer in the corners at 22 feet away from the basket.
The WNBA's 3-point line is 22 feet and 1.75 inches away from the basket at the top of the key, and then 21 feet and nine inches at the corners.
What is the size and weight of an NBA ball?
An official NBA basketball has a circumference of 29.5 inches, per the league's official rule book. The league does not specify weight, but the standard Wilson 29.5-inch basketball weighs 22 ounces.
What is the size and weight of a WNBA ball?
The circumference of an official WNBA basketball is between 28.5 inches and 29 inches, per the league's official rule book. The ball has to weigh between 18 and 20 ounces.
Stephen Curry vs. Sabrina Ionescu prize money
The NBA and WNBA will make donations to Curry's Eat.Learn.Play. Foundation and Ionescu's SI20 Foundation. Additionally, State Farm will donate to the NBA Foundation to "support economic empowerment in the Black community" for each shot Curry and Ionescu make in the competition.
Regular basketballs are valued at $1,000, money balls at $2,000 and the STARRY Range balls at $3,000.
Stephen Curry vs. Sabrina Ionescu start time
- Date: Saturday, Feb. 17
- Time: 8 p.m. ET | 5 p.m. PT
All-Star Saturday Night is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, Feb. 17.
Stephen vs. Sabrina is the third event of the night. It will take place between the 3-Point Contest and Dunk Contest.
What channel is Stephen Curry vs. Sabrina Ionescu on?
- TV channel: TNT
- Streaming: Sling
Stephen vs. Sabrina will be broadcast on TNT. The 3-Point Challenge can also be streamed on Sling.
Sling is the home for avid sports fans that offers a range of sports channels so you can always cheer for your favorite teams with channels like ESPN, TBS, TNT, NFL Network, FS1 and more.
