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.

What to Read Next

Top WNBA Waiver Wire Picks: Rachel Banham and Iliana Rupert Shine in Second Half of Season
WNBA

Top WNBA Waiver Wire Picks: Rachel Banham and Iliana Rupert Shine in Second Half of Season

Discover key WNBA players like Rachel Banham and Iliana Rupert who are making waves in the second half of the season, perfect for your fantasy basketball lineup.

Strategic Moves in the WNBA: Analyzing the Impact of Key Trades Before the Deadline
WNBA

Strategic Moves in the WNBA: Analyzing the Impact of Key Trades Before the Deadline

Explore the strategic trades in the WNBA as teams like the Minnesota Lynx and Dallas Wings make pivotal moves to strengthen their rosters before the trade deadline.

Steve Pagliuca Leads $325M Acquisition of Connecticut Sun, Plans Move to Boston
WNBA

Steve Pagliuca Leads $325M Acquisition of Connecticut Sun, Plans Move to Boston

Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca leads a $325M acquisition of the Connecticut Sun, planning to move the team to Boston by 2027.

Noelle Quinn's Fiery Critique of Officiating in Storm's Double-Overtime Loss to Sparks
WNBA

Noelle Quinn's Fiery Critique of Officiating in Storm's Double-Overtime Loss to Sparks

Seattle Storm coach Noelle Quinn expresses frustration over inconsistent officiating in a dramatic double-overtime loss to the Los Angeles Sparks.

Unveiling the 2025 WNBA Season: Surprises, Disappointments, and Future Prospects
WNBA

Unveiling the 2025 WNBA Season: Surprises, Disappointments, and Future Prospects

Explore the unexpected twists of the 2025 WNBA season, from breakout rookies to seasoned teams falling short, and what lies ahead for the league.

WNBA Weekly Highlights: Fiebich Shines as Griner Faces Challenges
WNBA

WNBA Weekly Highlights: Fiebich Shines as Griner Faces Challenges

Weekly WNBA analysis: Leonie Fiebich excels, Brittney Griner struggles, and other key player performances in the league.

WNBA Highlights: SportsCenter's 50-in-50 Week 6 Quiz Unveils Thrilling State-Specific Sports Moments
WNBA

WNBA Highlights: SportsCenter's 50-in-50 Week 6 Quiz Unveils Thrilling State-Specific Sports Moments

Explore the latest WNBA highlights and state-specific sports moments in SportsCenter's 50-in-50 Week 6 quiz. Test your knowledge now!

Sophie Cunningham Defends Caitlin Clark as the Face of the WNBA
WNBA

Sophie Cunningham Defends Caitlin Clark as the Face of the WNBA

Sophie Cunningham passionately defends Caitlin Clark as the face of the WNBA, addressing critics and highlighting Clark's impact on the league.

WNBA Power Rankings: Sparks Soar, Valkyries Struggle in Divergent Paths
WNBA

WNBA Power Rankings: Sparks Soar, Valkyries Struggle in Divergent Paths

The Los Angeles Sparks are riding a five-game win streak, while the Golden State Valkyries face challenges after losing key players. Explore the latest WNBA Power Rankings.

Liberty vs. Lynx: Key Factors in the WNBA Finals Rematch
WNBA

Liberty vs. Lynx: Key Factors in the WNBA Finals Rematch

A detailed analysis of the highly anticipated WNBA Finals rematch between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx, focusing on key players and matchups.

Top WNBA Waiver Wire Picks: Julie Allemand and Natasha Mack Shine in Fantasy Basketball
WNBA

Top WNBA Waiver Wire Picks: Julie Allemand and Natasha Mack Shine in Fantasy Basketball

Discover the top WNBA waiver wire picks for fantasy basketball, featuring Julie Allemand and Natasha Mack, and learn how they can boost your roster.

WNBA All-Star Weekend: Players Unite with 'Pay Us What You Owe Us' Message Amid CBA Negotiations
WNBA

WNBA All-Star Weekend: Players Unite with 'Pay Us What You Owe Us' Message Amid CBA Negotiations

WNBA players made a powerful statement at the 2025 All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis, wearing 'Pay Us What You Owe Us' shirts to highlight ongoing CBA negotiations.

Sophie Cunningham Shines in Caitlin Clark's Absence: WNBA Fantasy Basketball Update
WNBA

Sophie Cunningham Shines in Caitlin Clark's Absence: WNBA Fantasy Basketball Update

Sophie Cunningham steps up for Indiana Fever in Caitlin Clark's absence, while Jewell Loyd and Arike Ogunbowale face challenges. Latest WNBA fantasy basketball insights.

Golden State Valkyries: Defying Expectations in Their Inaugural WNBA Season
WNBA

Golden State Valkyries: Defying Expectations in Their Inaugural WNBA Season

The Golden State Valkyries are exceeding expectations in their first WNBA season, with a strong team dynamic and impressive home game attendance.

WNBA Second Half Showdown: Can the Lynx Hold Their Lead? Key Questions for Every Team
WNBA

WNBA Second Half Showdown: Can the Lynx Hold Their Lead? Key Questions for Every Team

As the WNBA season resumes, we explore the biggest challenges facing each team, including the Minnesota Lynx's championship potential and Caitlin Clark's injury status.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.