WNBA Triple-Doubles: A Historical Look at the League's Most Elite Performances

Explore the history of triple-doubles in the WNBA, highlighting key players like Alyssa Thomas, Sheryl Swoopes, and Caitlin Clark.

The History of Triple-Doubles in the WNBA

Since its inception in 1997, the WNBA has showcased some of the most remarkable performances in basketball history. A triple-double, achieved by recording double-digit totals in three of five statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks) in a single game, is a rare and impressive feat.

Total Triple-Doubles in the WNBA

There have been 43 triple-doubles in WNBA history, with 37 occurring in the regular season and 6 in the postseason.

The Pioneers of Triple-Doubles

Sheryl Swoopes made history on July 27, 1999, by recording the WNBA's first triple-double. Swoopes, a four-time WNBA champion and three-time MVP, achieved this milestone with 14 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists for the Houston Comets in an 85-46 victory over the Detroit Shock. She also became the first player to record a triple-double in both the regular season and the playoffs.

Rookie Records

Caitlin Clark made headlines by becoming the first rookie in WNBA history to record a triple-double. She achieved this feat with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 13 assists for the Indiana Fever in an 83-78 win over the New York Liberty. Clark later recorded her second triple-double that same season.

The Triple-Double Leaders

Alyssa Thomas holds the record for the most triple-doubles in WNBA history with 15, including 11 in the regular season and 4 in the playoffs. Thomas is the only player to have multiple triple-doubles in the postseason.

Multiple Triple-Double Achievers

Eight players have recorded multiple triple-doubles in their careers:

  • Alyssa Thomas (15)
  • Sabrina Ionescu (4)
  • Candace Parker (3)
  • Caitlin Clark (3)
  • Chelsea Gray (2)
  • Courtney Williams (2)
  • Courtney Vandersloot (2)
  • Sheryl Swoopes (2)

Playoff Triple-Doubles

Thomas leads with 4 triple-doubles in the playoffs, followed by Courtney Vandersloot and Sheryl Swoopes, each with one.

Notable Triple-Doubles

Here are some of the most notable triple-doubles in WNBA history:

  • May 17, 2025: Caitlin Clark (IND) - 20 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists
  • Sept. 22, 2024: Alyssa Thomas (CONN) - 12 points, 10 rebounds, 13 assists
  • Sept. 8, 2024: Alyssa Thomas (CONN) - 12 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists
  • Sept. 4, 2024: Caitlin Clark (IND) - 24 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists
  • Aug. 28, 2024: Tina Charles (ATL) - 19 points, 17 rebounds, 10 assists

For more WNBA stats, standings, and news, visit the ESPN WNBA hub page.

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