WNBA star's record season delivers 319,750 meals to shelter pets

Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride turned her record-setting 2026 WNBA season into 319,750 meals for pets in underserved communities.

The five-time All-Star partnered with Humane World for Animals on a program called Points for Pets.

For every point she scored during the regular season, the organization donated 250 meals for pets whose families face poverty.

Each three-pointer she hit added another 1,000 meals.

McBride started all 44 regular-season games.

She finished with 775 total points.

She made 126 three-pointers.

On August 9, she set a new WNBA record by making 10 three-pointers in a single game.

That night she scored a career-high 43 points.

Her 9-year-old dog, Tucker, inspired her to join the program.

“I’ve had Tucker since he was a puppy, and our connection began the moment we met,” McBride said in a statement released by Humane World for Animals.

“Having him in my life has shown me firsthand just how much a pet becomes part of your family.”

“I’m so grateful that through Points for Pets, we were able to turn this season’s success on the court into something meaningful for pets and the people who love them.”

The program is part of Humane World for Animals’ More Than a Pet campaign.

The campaign addresses a national crisis: about 20 million pets in the United States live with families experiencing poverty.

Seventy percent of those pets have never seen a veterinarian.

“Kayla has been an outstanding advocate for More Than a Pet, helping to raise awareness of the barriers families face in accessing pet care,” said Amanda Arrington, vice president of Access to Care for Humane World for Animals.

“Her remarkable season helped generate 319,750 meals for pets in underserved communities, supporting our efforts to get much-needed pet food to families across the country.”

McBride received the WNBA Cares Community Assist Award for her work.

The WNBA presents the award each season to a player who demonstrates outstanding community service and charitable work.

The inaugural Points for Pets initiative launched in 2024 with Charlotte Hornets All-Star guard LaMelo Ball.

Ball scored 1,184 points that season and provided 296,000 meals for pets.

McBride’s total of 319,750 meals surpassed that mark.

Humane World for Animals was formerly called the Humane Society of the United States.

The organization runs access to care programs called Pets for Life and Rural Area Veterinary Services.

Through those programs, over $126 million worth of pet food and supplies have been distributed to underserved pet families.

That distribution has served over 750,000 pets.

It has delivered over 38 million pounds of pet food and 12,800 pallets of pet supplies.

McBride’s partnership with the organization began before the 2026 season.

She committed to the Points for Pets program as an ambassador for the More Than a Pet campaign.

The campaign’s goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of socio-economic status, geography or background, has the opportunity to experience the joy of having a pet.

McBride’s record-breaking performance on the court directly fueled the donation total.

Her 775 regular-season points alone generated 193,750 base meals.

Her 126 three-pointers added another 126,000 meals.

The combined total came to 319,750 meals.

Each meal donation goes to families in underserved communities who struggle to afford pet food.

The WNBA Community Assist Award is part of the league’s WNBA Cares program.

WNBA Cares focuses on social responsibility initiatives including youth development, health and wellness, and community service.

McBride has been a member of the Minnesota Lynx since 2023.

She previously played for the Las Vegas Aces and the San Antonio Stars.

She was drafted third overall in the 2014 WNBA Draft out of Notre Dame.

This season, she started all 44 games for the Lynx.

The Lynx finished the regular season with a 30-14 record.

McBride averaged 17.6 points per game during the regular season.

Her 126 three-pointers led the league.

The 10 three-pointers she made in a single game on August 9 broke the previous WNBA record of nine, which had been shared by several players.

The record performance came in a game against the Dallas Wings.

McBride shot 10-for-15 from three-point range that night.

She also added five rebounds and four assists in that game.

The Points for Pets program is expected to continue in future seasons.

Humane World for Animals has not announced whether other athletes will join the initiative.

McBride’s dog Tucker accompanied her to some team events during the season.

She has shared photos of Tucker on her social media accounts throughout her career.

The More Than a Pet campaign provides resources including veterinary care, pet food, and supplies.