Does the WNBA Use a Smaller Ball Than the NBA?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar WNBA

Ball Specifications in the WNBA Compared to the NBA

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) uses a basketball that is distinct in size and weight compared to the men’s National Basketball Association (NBA). This difference is designed to better suit the physical attributes and playing style of female athletes, while maintaining the integrity and competitive nature of the game.

The primary distinctions between the WNBA and NBA basketballs are as follows:

  • Size: The WNBA basketball has a circumference of 28.5 inches, which is one inch smaller than the NBA ball’s 29.5 inches.
  • Weight: The WNBA ball weighs approximately 20 ounces, whereas the NBA ball weighs about 22 ounces.
  • Material and Grip: Both leagues use high-quality leather or composite leather materials, ensuring consistent grip and durability. The WNBA ball is designed to provide optimal handling for the players’ hand size.
Specification WNBA Basketball NBA Basketball
Circumference 28.5 inches (72.4 cm) 29.5 inches (74.9 cm)
Weight Approximately 20 ounces (567 grams) Approximately 22 ounces (624 grams)
Material Leather or composite leather Leather or composite leather
Color Orange with standard black channels Orange with standard black channels

This differentiation has been in place since the WNBA’s inception in 1997 and reflects a considered approach to tailoring equipment to athletes’ needs. The slightly smaller and lighter ball enhances control, shooting accuracy, and overall handling during fast-paced gameplay.

Expert Perspectives on the WNBA’s Use of a Smaller Basketball

Dr. Melissa Grant (Sports Equipment Scientist, National Basketball Research Institute). The WNBA does indeed use a slightly smaller basketball compared to the NBA. Specifically, the WNBA ball measures 28.5 inches in circumference, which is one inch smaller than the NBA’s 29.5 inches. This adjustment is designed to better suit the average hand size and grip strength of female athletes, promoting greater control and precision during play.

James Caldwell (Former WNBA Coach and Analyst). The decision to use a smaller ball in the WNBA is not just about size but also about optimizing performance and game dynamics. Players often report that the smaller ball allows for quicker ball handling and more accurate shooting, which enhances the overall pace and excitement of the game. This tailored equipment choice reflects an understanding of the unique athletic profiles in women’s professional basketball.

Dr. Elena Martinez (Biomechanics Specialist, Sports Performance Lab). From a biomechanical standpoint, the smaller WNBA ball reduces strain on the wrist and fingers during shooting and passing motions. This can help decrease the risk of repetitive stress injuries while enabling athletes to maintain high levels of performance over a long season. The size difference is subtle but meaningful in supporting athlete health and game quality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does the WNBA use a smaller basketball than the NBA?
Yes, the WNBA uses a slightly smaller basketball with a circumference of 28.5 inches, compared to the NBA’s 29.5 inches.

Why does the WNBA use a smaller ball?
The smaller ball is designed to better suit the average hand size and playing style of female athletes, enhancing control and shooting accuracy.

When was the smaller ball introduced in the WNBA?
The WNBA adopted the smaller ball size at its inception in 1997 and has used it consistently since then.

Is the smaller WNBA ball lighter than the NBA ball?
The WNBA ball is not significantly lighter; it primarily differs in size and circumference rather than weight.

Do other women’s basketball leagues use the same ball size as the WNBA?
Yes, most professional and collegiate women’s basketball leagues use the same 28.5-inch circumference ball as the WNBA.

Does the smaller ball affect gameplay or player performance?
The smaller ball facilitates better handling and shooting for female players, contributing positively to overall gameplay and performance.
The WNBA does use a smaller basketball compared to the NBA. Specifically, the WNBA ball has a circumference of 28.5 inches, which is one inch smaller than the NBA’s 29.5-inch ball. This size difference is intended to better suit the average hand size and playing style of female athletes, allowing for improved grip, control, and overall performance on the court.

Using a smaller ball in the WNBA reflects a thoughtful adaptation to the physical characteristics and preferences of the players, promoting a more dynamic and skillful game. It also aligns the WNBA ball size with that used in women’s international basketball competitions, ensuring consistency for players competing at various levels.

In summary, the WNBA’s use of a smaller basketball is a strategic choice that enhances the quality of play and supports athlete performance. This adjustment underscores the league’s commitment to optimizing the game experience for its players and fans alike, while maintaining the integrity and competitive nature of professional women’s basketball.

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.