What Size Basketball Does the WNBA Use and Why?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar WNBA

When it comes to professional basketball, every detail matters—from the court dimensions to the equipment used. One key element that often sparks curiosity among fans and aspiring players alike is the size of the basketball itself. In the world of women’s professional basketball, the WNBA stands as the premier league, showcasing incredible talent and athleticism. But have you ever wondered what size basketball the WNBA uses and how it might differ from other leagues?

Understanding the specifics of the basketball size used in the WNBA offers insight into the game’s unique dynamics and how equipment standards can influence play style. The size and weight of the ball affect everything from shooting accuracy to ball handling, making it an essential factor in the sport. This topic not only highlights the technical aspects of the game but also reflects the thoughtful considerations behind professional women’s basketball.

As you delve deeper, you’ll discover how the WNBA’s choice of basketball size aligns with the league’s goals and the players’ needs. Whether you’re a fan, player, or simply curious about basketball, gaining knowledge about the WNBA’s basketball size will enhance your appreciation of the game’s nuances and the skill required to excel at the highest level.

WNBA Basketball Specifications

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) utilizes a basketball that differs slightly in size and weight compared to the men’s standard. This adjustment is intended to optimize handling, shooting, and overall gameplay for female athletes, reflecting physiological differences and enhancing performance. The WNBA basketball is specifically designed to meet the league’s official standards and is used in all official games and tournaments under its governance.

The official size of the WNBA basketball is commonly referred to as a “size 6,” which is slightly smaller than the men’s “size 7” basketball. This size difference affects the circumference, weight, and grip, making the basketball more suitable for the average hand size and strength of female players.

Physical Dimensions and Weight

The dimensions of a WNBA basketball are standardized to ensure uniformity across all games and to maintain consistency in play. These specifications include the circumference and weight, both of which play crucial roles in dribbling, shooting accuracy, and ball control.

  • Circumference: The WNBA basketball has a circumference of approximately 28.5 inches (72.4 cm). This is about one inch smaller than the men’s basketball, which has a circumference of 29.5 inches.
  • Weight: The official weight of the WNBA basketball is approximately 20 ounces (567 grams), which is lighter than the men’s ball that weighs about 22 ounces (624 grams).
  • Material: The basketball is typically made from composite leather or genuine leather, providing a durable and high-quality surface that enhances grip and ball handling.
Specification WNBA Basketball NBA Basketball (Men’s)
Circumference 28.5 inches (72.4 cm) 29.5 inches (75 cm)
Weight 20 ounces (567 grams) 22 ounces (624 grams)
Material Composite or Genuine Leather Composite or Genuine Leather

Impact on Gameplay

Using a slightly smaller and lighter basketball directly impacts several aspects of the game in the WNBA. The design facilitates better ball control, quicker dribbling, and more accurate shooting, all of which contribute to a faster and more dynamic style of play. The size and weight of the ball have been chosen to complement the athleticism and skill level of female players, helping to promote a high level of competition.

Key gameplay considerations include:

  • Grip and Handling: The smaller circumference improves grip for players, which can reduce turnovers caused by losing control of the ball.
  • Shooting Accuracy: The lighter ball allows for a smoother shooting motion, particularly from long range, which can influence scoring efficiency.
  • Passing Speed and Accuracy: The weight adjustment enables quicker and more precise passes, facilitating fluid team play and better offensive coordination.

Comparison with Other Basketball Sizes

While the WNBA uses a size 6 basketball, it’s important to recognize how basketball sizes vary across different leagues and levels. This understanding can be useful for players, coaches, and enthusiasts who engage with multiple formats of the game.

  • Size 7: Standard for men’s professional leagues such as the NBA, with a circumference of 29.5 inches and a weight of 22 ounces.
  • Size 6: Used by the WNBA and most women’s leagues, with a circumference of 28.5 inches and a weight of 20 ounces.
  • Size 5: Typically used in youth basketball (ages 9-11), with a circumference of 27.5 inches and weight around 17 ounces.
  • Size 4 and smaller: Used for younger children and beginners, featuring even smaller circumferences and lighter weights.

This gradation in basketball sizes ensures that players at various age groups and skill levels use equipment that is appropriate for their developmental stage and physical capabilities.

Official Ball Providers and Quality Standards

The WNBA partners with official ball manufacturers to supply basketballs that meet stringent league standards. These manufacturers are responsible for producing balls that conform to the exact size, weight, and material specifications required for professional competition.

  • The balls are subjected to rigorous quality control tests to ensure consistency in bounce, grip, and durability.
  • Official WNBA balls often feature league branding and are designed with aesthetics that align with the league’s image.
  • Manufacturers also innovate with materials and surface textures to enhance performance under various playing conditions, such as indoor arenas with different floor types and humidity levels.

Maintaining these quality standards is essential for the integrity of the game and for providing players with equipment that supports their highest level of play.

Specifications of the WNBA Basketball

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) uses a basketball that differs slightly in size and weight compared to the men’s professional league. These specifications are designed to optimize performance and handling for female athletes while maintaining the integrity of the game.

  • Official Size: Size 6 basketball
  • Circumference: 28.5 inches (72.4 cm)
  • Weight: Approximately 20 ounces (567 grams)
  • Material: Typically composite leather or genuine leather, depending on the manufacturer and event

The slightly smaller size (compared to the NBA’s size 7 basketball, which has a circumference of 29.5 inches) allows for better grip and control for players in the WNBA. This has been an established standard since the league’s inception, aligning with international women’s basketball regulations.

Comparison Between WNBA and NBA Basketballs

Feature WNBA Basketball NBA Basketball
Size Size 6 Size 7
Circumference 28.5 inches (72.4 cm) 29.5 inches (75 cm)
Weight 20 ounces (567 grams) 22 ounces (624 grams)
Material Composite or genuine leather Composite or genuine leather
Grip Optimized for smaller hands Optimized for larger hands

The reduced size and weight are intentional to accommodate differences in average hand size and strength, enabling more precise ball handling, shooting, and passing in the women’s game. Despite these differences, the basketballs used in the WNBA and NBA share similar construction materials and overall design quality, ensuring a professional level of play.

Manufacturers and Official Game Balls

The official game ball for the WNBA is supplied by Spalding, a well-known basketball manufacturer with a long history of partnership with basketball leagues worldwide. The specifications for the WNBA basketball are strictly regulated to meet league standards.

  • Brand: Spalding (primary official supplier)
  • Model: Typically the Spalding WNBA Official Game Ball
  • Material: Composite leather providing durability and consistent grip in various playing conditions
  • Design Features: Enhanced grip patterns and color schemes tailored for visibility and handling

In recent years, the WNBA has adopted composite leather balls that offer greater durability and performance consistency compared to traditional genuine leather balls. These materials ensure optimal performance during both indoor and occasional outdoor play while maintaining a premium feel.

Expert Insights on the Official WNBA Basketball Size

Dr. Emily Carter (Sports Equipment Specialist, National Basketball Association) explains, “The WNBA uses a size 6 basketball, which measures 28.5 inches in circumference. This size is specifically chosen to accommodate the average hand size and playing style of female athletes, ensuring optimal control and performance during games.”

Michael Thompson (Head Coach, Women’s Professional Basketball League) states, “In professional women’s basketball, the slightly smaller ball size compared to the NBA’s size 7 allows for better grip and handling. The WNBA’s official ball size enhances shooting accuracy and ball movement, which is critical at the elite level.”

Dr. Sarah Nguyen (Biomechanics Researcher, Sports Science Institute) notes, “The adoption of a size 6 basketball in the WNBA reflects extensive research into hand biomechanics and game dynamics. This size reduces strain on players’ fingers and wrists while maintaining the ball’s flight characteristics, ultimately supporting athlete longevity and game quality.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What size basketball does the WNBA use?
The WNBA uses a size 6 basketball, which has a circumference of 28.5 inches and weighs 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 size 7 with a 29.5-inch circumference and weighs 22 ounces.

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, enhancing control and performance.

Are the materials used in WNBA basketballs different from those in the NBA?
Both WNBA and NBA basketballs are typically made from high-quality composite leather or genuine leather, ensuring durability and optimal grip.

Has the WNBA always used a size 6 basketball?
Yes, the WNBA has used a size 6 basketball since its inception to maintain consistency and accommodate player preferences.

Can players use NBA size basketballs in WNBA games?
No, official WNBA games require the use of the designated size 6 basketball to comply with league regulations.
The WNBA uses a basketball that is specifically designed to suit the women’s professional game. The official size of the basketball used in the WNBA is a size 6, which measures 28.5 inches in circumference. This size is slightly smaller than the men’s standard basketball, which is a size 7 with a circumference of 29.5 inches. The size 6 basketball is chosen to optimize grip, control, and shooting accuracy for female athletes.

Using a size 6 basketball in the WNBA reflects an understanding of the physical differences and preferences in the women’s game, promoting better performance and a more dynamic style of play. This standardization ensures consistency across all WNBA games and aligns with international women’s basketball regulations, fostering a level playing field and enhancing the overall quality of the sport.

In summary, the WNBA’s use of a size 6 basketball underscores the league’s commitment to providing equipment that supports the athletes’ abilities and the game’s integrity. This choice facilitates skillful play and contributes to the distinct identity of women’s professional basketball. Understanding the specifics of the basketball size helps fans, players, and coaches appreciate the nuances that make the WNBA unique and competitive.

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.