The WNBA is currently in the midst of a shooting revolution, and the question isn’t just who will dominate this season—it’s who will redefine what’s possible. The 50-40-90 club, an elite group of players who shoot 50% from the field, 40% from three, and 90% from the free-throw line, has only ever had two members: Napheesa Collier and Elena Delle Donne. Now, with the league’s offensive efficiency reaching unprecedented levels, the idea that someone might join this exclusive group this year feels less like a stretch and more like a inevitability. But what makes this particularly fascinating isn’t just the numbers—it’s the narrative they tell about how the game is evolving, and who’s pushing the boundaries.
Let’s start with Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever. She’s not the name on everyone’s lips, but her stats are quietly revolutionary. Shooting 48.4% from the field, 43.7% from deep, and 89.4% from the line, she’s already flirting with greatness. What’s remarkable isn’t just her accuracy—it’s the fact that she’s a backup wing player. In a league where roles are often rigidly defined, Cunningham’s ability to thrive in a secondary role while still approaching elite shooting percentages is a testament to her adaptability. But here’s where it gets interesting: If she improves her free-throw percentage by just 0.6%, she’ll hit the 90% mark. That’s a tiny margin, but in basketball, margins are everything. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the mindset. Can a player who’s always been asked to ‘just contribute’ suddenly demand to be considered among the best? That’s the real story here.
Then there’s Paige Bueckers, the prodigy who’s already rewriting the script. At 51.8% from the field and 38.5% from three, she’s got the shooting percentages locked in. But her free-throw percentage (87.2%) is the sticking point. Last season, she was an 88.8% shooter from the line, so this dip feels like a temporary hiccup rather than a trend. What many people don’t realize is how critical free throws are in today’s game. With players taking fewer mid-range shots and relying more on three-pointers and layups, the foul line has become the ultimate equalizer. If Bueckers can elevate her free-throw shooting, she won’t just join the 50-40-90 club—she’ll become a case study in how modern guards can dominate through efficiency. The question isn’t whether she can do it; it’s whether the league is ready for what that means for the future of the position.
Kelsey Mitchell, meanwhile, is having a career year that’s almost surreal. At 23.3 points per game, she’s averaging 49.5% shooting and 42.3% from three. She’s just 0.5% away from the 50% field goal mark, which sounds trivial until you realize how many shots she’s taking—16.3 per game. That volume is both a blessing and a curse. Her free-throw percentage (85.2%) is the real hurdle, and it’s worth noting that she’s never been a 90% shooter from the line. But here’s the thing: Mitchell isn’t just a scorer; she’s a four-time All-Star who’s been in the league long enough to know that consistency is key. If she can push her free-throw percentage up, it won’t just be a personal achievement—it’ll be a validation of her approach to the game. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about proving that veteran players can still evolve in an era dominated by young stars.
What this all suggests is that the WNBA is no longer just about individual brilliance—it’s about collective elevation. Players like Olivia Miles and Jackie Young are lurking in the shadows, ready to pounce if the right moment comes. The fact that so many players are in contention for the 50-40-90 club is a reflection of how much the league has changed. In 2002, it took 23 years for the first member of this club to emerge. By 2017, the second one was in. Now, with the third potentially joining this year, we’re witnessing a generational shift. The game is becoming more analytical, more data-driven, and more focused on efficiency. Players aren’t just trying to score—they’re trying to maximize every shot, every possession, every second on the court.
But let’s not forget the human element. These players aren’t just chasing percentages; they’re chasing legacy. For Cunningham, it’s about proving that a backup can be a star. For Bueckers, it’s about cementing her place as a generational talent. For Mitchell, it’s about showing that age is just a number. The 50-40-90 club isn’t just a stat line—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when players push themselves beyond limits. And if someone joins this season, it won’t just be a milestone for them. It’ll be a sign that the WNBA is entering a new era, one where efficiency, precision, and adaptability are the new currencies of success. The real question isn’t who will make it. It’s what happens when they do.
