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Since its launch in 1997, the WNBA has delivered some of the most impressive performances in the history of basketball. Only a select group of WNBA players have recorded a triple-double -- a double-digit total in three of five statistical categories (assists, blocks, points, rebounds and steals) over the course of a single game.
Here's a look at the history of the triple-double in the WNBA, including the players who have recorded the most.
Who was the first player in WNBA history to record a triple-double?
Sheryl Swoopes recorded the WNBA's first triple-double on July 27, 1999. The four-time WNBA champion and three-time WNBA MVP finished with 14 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists for the Houston Comets in an 85-46 win over the Detroit Shock.
Swoopes was also the first player in WNBA history to record a triple-double in both the regular season and the playoffs. Swoopes had 14 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a 75-58 win versus the Seattle Storm in Game 3 of the 2005 Western Conference semifinals.
Who has the most playoff triple-doubles in WNBA postseason history?
While Swoopes had the first, it's Alyssa Thomas who leads both in the regular season (20) and postseason (6). Courtney Vandersloot is the only other player to record a playoff triple-double.
How many rookies in WNBA history have had a triple-double?
In 2024, Caitlin Clark became the first and only rookie in WNBA history to record a triple-double, finishing with 19 points, 12 rebounds and 13 assists for the Indiana Fever in an 83-78 win over the New York Liberty. Clark finished with two in her rookie season.
Other Notable triple-double performances:
- Sabrina Ionescu recorded the first and only 30-point triple-double on July 6, 2022 vs the Las Vegas Aces.
- Thomas recorded the first 20-rebound triple-double on August 1, 2023 vs the Minnesota Lynx.
- Thomas also holds the record for most assists in a triple-double (16) set on August 22, 2025.
- Two players have triple-doubles with blocks, Margo Dydek in 2001 and Lisa Leslie in 2004.
Who has the most triple-doubles in WNBA history?
- Alyssa Thomas, 20
- Jessica Shepard, 5
- Sabrina Ionescu, 4
- Caitlin Clark, 3
- Candace Parker, 3
- Jackie Young, 2
- Courtney Williams, 2
- Chelsea Gray, 2
- 15 others tied with 1
Check out the ESPN WNBA hub page for scores, stats, standings and more.
