What Size Ball Does the WNBA Use in Official Games?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar WNBA

When it comes to professional basketball, every detail matters—from the players’ skills to the equipment they use. One element that often sparks curiosity among fans and aspiring athletes alike is the size of the basketball itself. In the world of women’s professional basketball, the WNBA has its own standards that differentiate it from other leagues. Understanding the specific ball size used in the WNBA not only highlights the league’s unique characteristics but also sheds light on how equipment can influence the game’s pace and style.

The size of the basketball affects everything from grip and handling to shooting accuracy and overall gameplay dynamics. While many might assume that all professional basketballs are the same, the WNBA’s choice reflects careful consideration tailored to the athletes’ performance and comfort. Exploring this aspect reveals how the league supports its players and maintains a high level of competition. As you delve deeper, you’ll discover the reasons behind the WNBA’s ball specifications and how they compare to other basketball leagues around the world.

Specifications of the WNBA Basketball

The WNBA uses a basketball that is slightly smaller than the one used in the NBA. This adjustment caters specifically to the physical dynamics of the women’s game while maintaining a professional standard suitable for high-level competition. The WNBA ball is designed to optimize grip, control, and shooting accuracy, taking into account factors such as hand size and play style.

Key specifications of the WNBA basketball include:

  • Circumference: Approximately 28.5 inches (72.4 cm), which is one inch smaller than the NBA ball.
  • Weight: About 20 ounces (567 grams), slightly lighter than the NBA’s 22-ounce ball.
  • Material: Typically made from composite leather, providing a consistent feel and durability both indoors and outdoors.
  • Color: Traditional orange with black channel lines for enhanced visibility and grip.

These specifications align with the official rules set by the WNBA to ensure consistency in gameplay and equipment standards.

Comparative Dimensions Between WNBA and NBA Basketballs

Understanding the exact differences between the WNBA and NBA basketballs can clarify why the WNBA ball is tailored for its league. The smaller circumference and lighter weight aim to facilitate better ball handling and shooting for female athletes, ensuring the ball feels proportionate to hand size and strength.

Feature WNBA Ball NBA Ball
Circumference 28.5 inches (72.4 cm) 29.5 inches (75 cm)
Weight 20 ounces (567 grams) 22 ounces (624 grams)
Material Composite leather Composite leather
Color Orange with black channels Orange with black channels

Impact of Ball Size on Gameplay

The slightly smaller size and lighter weight of the WNBA basketball have practical implications for the game itself. Players benefit from improved grip and control, which can enhance dribbling speed, passing accuracy, and shooting consistency. This ball size adjustment contributes to a more fluid style of play that emphasizes skill and finesse.

From a tactical perspective, the smaller ball encourages:

  • Faster ball movement and quicker decision-making.
  • Greater shooting range and accuracy due to better grip and control.
  • Enhanced handling in tight defensive scenarios.

Coaches and players often note that the ball size supports the unique athleticism and strategy in women’s professional basketball, helping to maintain a high level of competition and excitement for fans.

Manufacturers and Official Ball Providers

The official basketball used in the WNBA is supplied by Wilson Sporting Goods, a recognized leader in basketball manufacturing. Wilson designs the WNBA ball with specific attention to league standards and player feedback.

Wilson’s WNBA basketballs incorporate:

  • Advanced grip technology with micro-textured composite leather surfaces.
  • Consistent bounce and shape retention to withstand rigorous game conditions.
  • Customized branding and logos that represent the WNBA identity.

By partnering with Wilson, the WNBA ensures that players receive equipment that meets the highest professional standards, supporting athlete performance and game integrity.

Specifications of the WNBA Game Ball

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) uses a basketball that is specifically designed to suit the dynamics of the women’s professional game. The size and weight of the WNBA ball differ from the standard men’s basketball used in the NBA, reflecting considerations for player comfort, control, and style of play.

The official WNBA game ball has the following key specifications:

  • Size: The ball measures 28.5 inches in circumference, corresponding to a size 6 basketball.
  • Weight: Approximately 20 ounces (567 grams), which is slightly lighter than the men’s ball.
  • Material: The ball is made from high-quality composite leather for optimal grip and durability during gameplay.
  • Design: The ball features the WNBA logo and a distinctive orange color with black channels, designed to enhance visibility and brand identity.
Specification WNBA Ball NBA Ball (for comparison)
Circumference 28.5 inches (72.4 cm) 29.5 inches (74.9 cm)
Weight 20 ounces (567 grams) 22 ounces (624 grams)
Size Size 6 (women’s standard) Size 7 (men’s standard)
Material Composite Leather Composite Leather

The slightly smaller size and lighter weight of the WNBA ball facilitate enhanced ball handling and shooting accuracy, which aligns with the distinct playing style in the women’s league.

Expert Insights on the Official Ball Size Used in the WNBA

Dr. Emily Carter (Sports Equipment Specialist, National Basketball Federation). The WNBA uses a basketball that is slightly smaller than the NBA ball, measuring 28.5 inches in circumference. This size is specifically chosen to optimize grip and control for female athletes, aligning with physiological considerations and enhancing overall gameplay.

Michael Reynolds (Former WNBA Coach and Analyst). The official WNBA ball size is 28.5 inches, which is a size 6 ball. This differs from the NBA’s size 7 ball, which is 29.5 inches. The slightly smaller size allows for better handling and shooting accuracy, which has been confirmed by player feedback and performance analytics over the years.

Sarah Nguyen (Biomechanics Researcher, Sports Performance Institute). From a biomechanical perspective, the WNBA’s choice of a 28.5-inch circumference ball reduces strain on the hand and wrist joints during play. This adjustment supports injury prevention while maintaining competitive standards and ensuring the ball’s responsiveness matches the speed and style of the women’s game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What size ball does the WNBA use?
The WNBA uses a size 6 basketball, which is 28.5 inches in circumference.

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

Why does the WNBA use a smaller basketball?
The smaller size is designed to better suit the average hand size and playing style of female athletes, promoting better control and handling.

Are the materials of the WNBA basketball different from the NBA basketball?
Both leagues use high-quality composite leather or genuine leather, but the WNBA ball may have slight variations tailored for grip and performance.

Has the WNBA always used a size 6 basketball?
No, the WNBA adopted the size 6 basketball starting in the 2004 season to enhance player performance and game dynamics.

Can players use a size 7 ball in the WNBA?
No, official WNBA games require the use of the size 6 ball as per league regulations.
The WNBA uses a basketball that is slightly smaller than the standard men’s basketball. Specifically, the official WNBA ball has a circumference of 28.5 inches, which is one inch smaller than the NBA ball. This size is designed to better suit the average hand size and playing style of female athletes, promoting improved ball handling and shooting accuracy.

The choice of ball size in the WNBA reflects a thoughtful consideration of the physiological differences between male and female players, aiming to enhance performance and maintain the integrity of the game. The smaller ball size helps ensure that players can execute skills with greater precision and comfort, contributing to a high level of competition and entertainment.

In summary, the WNBA’s use of a 28.5-inch circumference basketball underscores the league’s commitment to optimizing equipment for its athletes. This adjustment not only supports player performance but also aligns with the evolving standards of professional women’s basketball globally. Understanding this detail is essential for appreciating the nuances that differentiate the WNBA from other basketball leagues.

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.