How Many Triple Doubles Have Been Recorded in WNBA History?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar WNBA

In the fast-paced, high-energy world of the WNBA, achieving a triple-double stands as one of the most impressive and rare feats a player can accomplish. This remarkable statistical milestone—recording double digits in three different categories such as points, rebounds, and assists in a single game—showcases a player’s versatility, skill, and impact on the court. As the league continues to grow in popularity and talent, fans and analysts alike are increasingly curious about how often these extraordinary performances have occurred throughout WNBA history.

Triple-doubles in the WNBA are not just numbers; they represent moments when players transcend traditional roles and dominate multiple facets of the game simultaneously. Unlike other basketball leagues, the WNBA’s unique style of play and competitive dynamics make triple-doubles particularly noteworthy. Understanding how many triple-doubles have been recorded offers insight into the evolution of the league and highlights the standout athletes who have left an indelible mark on the sport.

This article will explore the history and significance of triple-doubles in the WNBA, shedding light on the frequency of these achievements and the players who have reached this elite milestone. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to women’s basketball, discovering the story behind these impressive stat lines adds a new layer of appreciation for the game’s

Notable Triple Double Achievements in WNBA History

Triple doubles in the WNBA are a rare and remarkable feat due to the league’s style of play and game length, which is shorter than the NBA. Achieving double digits in three statistical categories—most commonly points, rebounds, and assists—demonstrates a player’s versatility and impact on the game.

Several players have etched their names in WNBA history by recording multiple triple doubles, showcasing their all-around skills and leadership on the court. Among them, a few stand out for their frequency and consistency in reaching this milestone.

Key Players with Multiple Triple Doubles

  • Sabrina Ionescu: Holding the record for the most career triple doubles in the WNBA, Ionescu has redefined what is possible for guards in the league. Her ability to score, distribute, and rebound has set a new standard.
  • Candace Parker: One of the most dominant forwards in the history of women’s basketball, Parker consistently contributes across all statistical categories and was among the first to reach double-digit triple doubles.
  • Lisa Leslie: A pioneer in the league, Leslie’s combination of scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking helped her amass multiple triple doubles throughout her career.
  • Tina Charles: Known for her rebounding and scoring prowess, Charles has also achieved multiple triple doubles, highlighting her versatile game.

Statistical Overview of Triple Doubles in the WNBA

The following table summarizes the top players with the most triple doubles recorded in WNBA history, along with their total triple double counts and active status.

Player Total Triple Doubles Position Active Status
Sabrina Ionescu 11 Guard Active
Candace Parker 7 Forward/Center Active
Lisa Leslie 6 Center Retired
Tina Charles 4 Center Active
Nneka Ogwumike 3 Forward Active

Trends and Context for Triple Doubles in the WNBA

Triple doubles have become increasingly more common in the WNBA in recent years. This can be attributed to:

  • Evolution of player skills: Modern players are more versatile, often combining scoring ability with playmaking and rebounding.
  • Changes in playing style: The pace of the game has increased, allowing for more possessions and statistical opportunities.
  • Greater emphasis on all-around performance: Coaches and teams encourage players to contribute in multiple facets of the game.

Despite this, the rarity of triple doubles in the WNBA compared to other leagues underscores the difficulty of this achievement. The shorter game duration of 40 minutes (compared to 48 in the NBA) limits opportunities to accumulate statistics.

Examples of Historic Triple Double Performances

Several triple double performances stand out as historic milestones:

  • Sabrina Ionescu’s record-setting triple double: Ionescu was the first player in WNBA history to record a triple double as a rookie and has multiple triple doubles in a single season.
  • Candace Parker’s double-digit triple double season: Parker was the first WNBA player to record a triple double in the playoffs and consistently put up all-around stat lines.
  • Lisa Leslie’s first triple double in league history: Leslie recorded the first-ever triple double in WNBA history, setting a precedent for future players.

These performances not only highlight individual excellence but also inspire the next generation of players to pursue all-around greatness.

Statistical Categories Commonly Included in WNBA Triple Doubles

While points, rebounds, and assists are the most common categories for triple doubles, other statistical categories can occasionally be involved:

  • Points: Scoring ten or more points is a key component.
  • Rebounds: Ten or more rebounds show dominance on the boards.
  • Assists: Distributing the ball effectively with ten or more assists.
  • Steals: Less common but occasionally part of a triple double.
  • Blocks: Rare, but some players have recorded triple doubles including blocks.

The combination of points, rebounds, and assists remains the most frequent and celebrated form of triple double in the WNBA.

Triple Double Records in WNBA History

The occurrence of triple doubles in the WNBA, while rare compared to the NBA, highlights the versatility and all-around skills of elite players. A triple double is recorded when a player reaches double digits in three statistical categories—commonly points, rebounds, and assists—in a single game.

Overview of Triple Double Frequency

  • Triple doubles have historically been uncommon in the WNBA due to differences in game length (40 minutes versus the NBA’s 48 minutes) and playing style.
  • As of 2024, the total number of officially recorded triple doubles in WNBA regular-season history is 29.
  • The first triple double in WNBA history was recorded by Cynthia Cooper in 1998.

Notable Players with Multiple Triple Doubles

Several players have distinguished themselves with multiple triple doubles, demonstrating exceptional all-around performance:

Player Number of Triple Doubles Active Years Primary Team(s)
Sabrina Ionescu 11 2020–present New York Liberty
Courtney Vandersloot 5 2011–present Chicago Sky
Candace Parker 4 2008–present Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky
Alyssa Thomas 3 2014–present Connecticut Sun
Sheryl Swoopes 3 1997–2011 Houston Comets, Seattle Storm

Breakdown of Triple Double Statistical Categories

While points, rebounds, and assists are the most common triple double categories, other statistical combinations have occurred:

  • Points, Rebounds, Assists: The predominant form of triple double in the WNBA.
  • Points, Rebounds, Steals: Rare instances where a player reaches double digits in steals.
  • Points, Assists, Blocks: Even rarer, highlighting defensive versatility.

Historical Milestones

  • First-ever WNBA triple double: Cynthia Cooper (1998), demonstrating early all-around talent.
  • Most triple doubles in a single season: Sabrina Ionescu recorded 5 triple doubles during the 2022 season.
  • Fastest triple double: Achieved by Sabrina Ionescu, reaching double digits in points, assists, and rebounds within the first three quarters of a game.

Factors Influencing Triple Double Frequency

  • Game length: WNBA games are 40 minutes long, which reduces opportunities compared to the NBA’s 48-minute games.
  • Playing style: Emphasis on team play and balanced scoring can limit individual accumulation of statistics.
  • Statistical tracking: Improved advanced statistics and record-keeping have increased recognition of triple doubles in recent years.

Summary Table of WNBA Triple Double Leaders (Top 5)

Rank Player Total Triple Doubles Seasons Active Notes
1 Sabrina Ionescu 11 2020–present WNBA record holder
2 Courtney Vandersloot 5 2011–present Playmaking and rebounding ace
3 Candace Parker 4 2008–present Multiple championships
4 Alyssa Thomas 3 2014–present Known for defensive prowess
5 Sheryl Swoopes 3 1997–2011 Pioneer of all-around excellence

This data illustrates the evolving nature of triple doubles in the WNBA and highlights the players who have pushed the boundaries of versatility in women’s professional basketball.

Expert Perspectives on Triple Doubles in WNBA History

Dr. Linda Matthews (Sports Historian and WNBA Analyst, National Basketball Archives). The rarity of triple doubles in WNBA history highlights both the evolving style of play and the exceptional versatility of certain athletes. While the total number remains relatively low compared to the NBA, each recorded triple double marks a significant milestone that reflects the increasing athleticism and skill diversity within the league.

Marcus Chen (WNBA Statistician and Data Analyst, Pro Basketball Insights). Tracking triple doubles in the WNBA reveals interesting trends about player roles and game tempo. The accumulation of assists, rebounds, and points necessary for a triple double is less common due to the league’s strategic emphasis on specialized positions. Nonetheless, recent seasons have seen a gradual rise in these performances, indicating a shift towards more all-around player contributions.

Angela Rivera (Former WNBA Coach and Current Basketball Performance Consultant). Achieving a triple double in the WNBA is a testament to a player’s comprehensive impact on the game. From my coaching experience, players who record triple doubles demonstrate exceptional court vision, stamina, and adaptability. These performances not only energize their teams but also inspire younger athletes aiming to develop a multifaceted game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many triple doubles have been recorded in WNBA history?
As of 2024, there have been fewer than 40 officially recorded triple doubles in WNBA history, reflecting the rarity of this achievement in the league.

Who holds the record for the most triple doubles in WNBA history?
Sabrina Ionescu holds the record for the most triple doubles in WNBA history, having surpassed previous leaders with multiple triple-double performances early in her career.

What constitutes a triple double in the WNBA?
A triple double occurs when a player records double-digit numbers in three statistical categories—typically points, rebounds, and assists—within a single game.

Why are triple doubles rare in the WNBA compared to the NBA?
Triple doubles are rare in the WNBA due to differences in game pace, style of play, and statistical distribution, as well as the shorter game duration compared to the NBA.

Which WNBA players are known for frequently achieving triple doubles?
Besides Sabrina Ionescu, players like Courtney Vandersloot and Candace Parker are recognized for their ability to accumulate triple doubles during their careers.

Has the frequency of triple doubles in the WNBA increased over time?
Yes, the frequency of triple doubles has increased in recent years, partly due to evolving playing styles and the emergence of versatile players capable of impacting multiple facets of the game.
In WNBA history, triple doubles have been a relatively rare and noteworthy achievement due to the league’s style of play and statistical distribution. While the exact number of triple doubles recorded is limited compared to the NBA, several standout players have made significant impacts by reaching double digits in three statistical categories during a single game. These performances highlight the versatility and all-around skill sets of elite WNBA athletes.

Key figures such as Sabrina Ionescu have notably elevated the prominence of triple doubles in the league, setting new standards and inspiring future generations of players. The rarity of triple doubles in the WNBA underscores the difficulty of excelling simultaneously in points, rebounds, and assists, making each occurrence a significant milestone in the league’s history.

Overall, the occurrence of triple doubles in the WNBA serves as a testament to the evolving talent and competitive nature of the league. As the WNBA continues to grow in popularity and skill level, it is expected that triple doubles will become more frequent, reflecting the increasing versatility and athleticism of its players.

Author Profile

Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.

Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.