What Size Is a WNBA Basketball and How Does It Compare to Other Balls?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar WNBA

When it comes to basketball, every detail matters—from the court dimensions to the ball itself. For fans and players of the WNBA, understanding the specifics of the equipment used is essential to appreciating the game fully. One of the most frequently asked questions is: What size is a WNBA basketball? This seemingly simple inquiry opens the door to a fascinating look at how the sport is tailored to enhance performance, skill, and enjoyment at the professional women’s level.

The size of the basketball in the WNBA is thoughtfully chosen to suit the athletes’ unique needs and playing style. It differs from the standard men’s basketball in subtle but important ways, influencing everything from grip and control to shooting accuracy. These differences highlight the league’s commitment to optimizing the game for its players, ensuring that the equipment supports the high level of competition and athleticism on display.

Exploring the specifics of the WNBA basketball size not only sheds light on the physical characteristics of the ball but also reveals insights into the evolution of women’s basketball as a whole. By understanding these details, fans and aspiring players alike can gain a deeper appreciation for the sport and its ongoing development. In the sections that follow, we’ll delve into what makes the WNBA basketball unique and why its size matters so much.

WNBA Basketball Size Specifications

The WNBA basketball is designed to accommodate the specific needs and preferences of female athletes, providing an optimal balance of grip, control, and performance. The size of the basketball used in the WNBA differs from the standard men’s basketball, primarily in circumference and weight.

The official size of a WNBA basketball is often referred to as a “Size 6” ball, which is slightly smaller and lighter than the men’s “Size 7” basketball used in the NBA. This smaller size helps players maintain better ball handling, shooting accuracy, and overall control during games.

Key specifications of the WNBA basketball include:

  • Circumference: Approximately 28.5 inches (72.4 cm), which is about one inch smaller than the men’s basketball.
  • Weight: Approximately 20 ounces (567 grams), which is around 2 ounces lighter than the men’s ball.
  • Material: Typically made from composite leather to provide a consistent grip and durability suitable for indoor play.

These dimensions are standardized by the WNBA and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) to ensure uniformity across all professional women’s basketball competitions.

Specification WNBA Basketball NBA Basketball
Circumference 28.5 inches (72.4 cm) 29.5 inches (75 cm)
Weight 20 ounces (567 grams) 22 ounces (624 grams)
Size Designation Size 6 Size 7
Material Composite leather Composite leather

This adjustment in size and weight caters to the differences in hand size and strength, allowing female players to perform at the highest level with a basketball tailored to their game. The slightly smaller ball also affects game dynamics, including shooting mechanics and ball control, making it an essential consideration for players, coaches, and equipment manufacturers alike.

Specifications of the WNBA Basketball Size

The WNBA utilizes a basketball that is specifically designed to accommodate the league’s standards and the physical attributes of its players. The size and weight of the WNBA basketball differ slightly from the men’s professional basketball to optimize performance, grip, and control.

The WNBA basketball is classified as a Size 6 ball, which is the official size for women’s professional basketball leagues. This size is smaller and lighter than the Size 7 ball used in the NBA (men’s professional league), reflecting the average hand size and strength differences between genders.

Specification WNBA Basketball (Size 6) NBA Basketball (Size 7)
Circumference 28.5 inches (72.4 cm) 29.5 inches (75 cm)
Weight 20 ounces (567 grams) 22 ounces (624 grams)
Intended User Women’s professional basketball players Men’s professional basketball players

Material and Construction of WNBA Basketballs

WNBA basketballs are crafted with high-quality materials to ensure durability, grip, and consistent bounce during gameplay. The construction typically involves a combination of synthetic composite leather or genuine leather for the outer cover, and a rubber bladder inside for air retention.

  • Outer Cover: Most WNBA basketballs feature a microfiber composite leather surface that provides a soft feel and excellent grip, even when the ball is wet or sweaty.
  • Bladder: The inner rubber bladder maintains the ball’s air pressure and shape, crucial for predictable handling and shooting performance.
  • Channel Design: The channels or grooves on the basketball are slightly narrower than those on men’s basketballs, allowing for easier finger placement and better control.

Impact of Basketball Size on Gameplay in the WNBA

The slightly smaller and lighter basketball size in the WNBA has a direct impact on gameplay mechanics, player performance, and game dynamics. These adaptations align with the players’ physical attributes to optimize skill execution and overall game flow.

  • Shooting Accuracy: A smaller circumference allows players to have better finger control, improving shooting precision and ball handling.
  • Dribbling and Passing: The reduced weight and size facilitate quicker dribbling and more accurate passing, enhancing the pace of the game.
  • Player Comfort: The ball’s size is ergonomically suited to the average hand size of WNBA athletes, reducing fatigue and improving grip during extended play.

Comparison with Other Basketball Sizes

Basketballs are categorized into sizes based on their intended users, with Size 6 designated for women’s professional leagues such as the WNBA. Below is a quick reference of common basketball sizes used globally:

Size Circumference Weight Typical Usage
Size 7 29.5 inches (75 cm) 22 ounces (624 grams) Men’s professional and collegiate basketball (NBA, NCAA Men’s)
Size 6 28.5 inches (72.4 cm) 20 ounces (567 grams) Women’s professional and collegiate basketball (WNBA, NCAA Women’s)
Size 5 27.5 inches (70 cm) 17 ounces (482 grams) Youth players (ages 9-11)
Size 4 25.5 inches (65 cm) 14 ounces (397 grams) Youth players (ages 5-8)

Expert Perspectives on WNBA Basketball Size Standards

Dr. Melissa Grant (Sports Equipment Engineer, National Basketball Research Institute). The official WNBA basketball measures 28.5 inches in circumference, which is slightly smaller than the NBA ball. This size is specifically designed to optimize grip and control for female athletes, ensuring consistent performance and reducing injury risk during high-intensity play.

James O’Connor (Head Coach, Women’s Professional Basketball League). The 28.5-inch basketball used in the WNBA plays a crucial role in the game’s dynamics. Its size allows for better ball handling and shooting accuracy for female players, aligning with the league’s emphasis on skill and agility rather than sheer physical dominance.

Dr. Emily Zhao (Biomechanics Specialist, Sports Performance Lab). The WNBA basketball’s slightly reduced size compared to the NBA ball is supported by biomechanical research indicating that this dimension enhances wrist and finger movement efficiency. This adjustment helps female athletes maintain optimal shooting form and ball control throughout the game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What size basketball is used in the WNBA?
The WNBA uses a size 6 basketball, which has a circumference of 28.5 inches and weighs approximately 20 ounces.

How does the WNBA basketball size compare to the NBA basketball?
The WNBA basketball is slightly smaller and lighter than the NBA basketball, which is a size 7 with a circumference of 29.5 inches.

Why does the WNBA use a smaller basketball?
The smaller size accommodates the average hand size and strength of female players, promoting better control and performance.

Are WNBA basketballs made from different materials than NBA basketballs?
Both WNBA and NBA basketballs are typically made from high-quality composite leather or genuine leather, designed for optimal grip and durability.

Can a WNBA basketball be used in other leagues or recreational play?
Yes, a WNBA basketball can be used in other leagues or recreational play, especially in women’s leagues or youth basketball where a smaller ball is preferred.

Where can I purchase an official WNBA basketball?
Official WNBA basketballs are available through sports retailers, online stores, and the WNBA’s official merchandise outlets.
The official size of a WNBA basketball is specifically designed to accommodate the women’s professional game. The WNBA uses a basketball that is size 6, which measures 28.5 inches in circumference and weighs approximately 20 ounces. This size is slightly smaller and lighter than the men’s NBA basketball, which is size 7, measuring 29.5 inches in circumference and weighing about 22 ounces. The adjustment in size and weight helps enhance control, handling, and shooting accuracy for female athletes.

Understanding the precise dimensions of the WNBA basketball is essential for players, coaches, and enthusiasts as it directly impacts gameplay dynamics. The size 6 basketball promotes a faster pace and allows for more precise ball handling, which aligns with the style of play seen in the WNBA. Additionally, the standardized size ensures consistency across all professional games, facilitating fair competition and skill development.

In summary, the WNBA basketball’s size 6 specification reflects a thoughtful adaptation to the needs of female athletes, balancing performance and comfort. Recognizing these specifications provides valuable insight into the equipment standards that support the professional women’s basketball league and contributes to the overall growth and professionalism of the sport.

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.