WNBA Ball Size vs NBA: Complete Comparison (28.5 vs 29.5 in)
by Ryan Mitchell on Jun 03, 2026
TL;DR: The WNBA uses a 28.5 in (72 cm) Size 6 basketball weighing about 20 oz (567 g). The NBA uses a 29.5 in (75 cm) Size 7 ball at 22 oz (624 g). The 1-inch circumference difference and 2-ounce weight difference are intentional: smaller hands, faster perimeter game. NCAA Women's basketball uses the same Size 6.
WNBA vs NBA: ball size side by side
| Spec | WNBA (Size 6) | NBA (Size 7) |
|---|---|---|
| Circumference | 28.5 in (72 cm) | 29.5 in (75 cm) |
| Diameter | ~9.07 in (23 cm) | ~9.39 in (23.8 cm) |
| Weight | ~20 oz (567 g) | ~22 oz (624 g) |
| Inflation | 7.5-8.5 psi | 7.5-8.5 psi |
| Material | Composite leather (8-panel) | Composite leather (8-panel) |
| Manufacturer (2026) | Wilson | Wilson |
Why women's leagues use a smaller ball
The smaller ball is rooted in three practical factors:
- Average hand span. Adult women's hand spans are typically 1-1.5 inches smaller than men's. The Size 6 ball matches that proportionally, enabling better grip, ball-handling, and shooting form.
- Game style. The women's pro game is faster on the perimeter with more drive-and-kick offense. The lighter ball pairs with that style.
- Historical standardization. The Size 6 was adopted as the women's standard in the 1980s before the WNBA existed and has been the rule across NCAA Women's, WNBA, and international FIBA women's competition since.
Note: at the youth level (under 12), both boys and girls use Size 5 (27.5 in). The Size 6 vs Size 7 split kicks in at age 12+.
Does playing with a smaller ball affect skill development?
Yes - in both directions:
- Positive: Female players develop shooting and handling with a ball that fits their hands, so form is more natural and shot range develops faster.
- Trade-off: If a women's college player later picks up a Size 7 ball (e.g., for a pickup game with men), it feels heavy and slow. Cross-training with both sizes is rare.
NCAA Women's, WNBA, and FIBA Women's: all the same ball
Standardization is consistent at the women's level:
- NCAA Women's Basketball: Size 6 (28.5 in)
- WNBA: Size 6 (28.5 in)
- FIBA Women's competition: Size 6 (28.5 in)
- Most state high-school federations (women's): Size 6
The court itself doesn't change - NCAA Women's court dimensions match the men's 94' x 50' regulation floor.
Get custom basketballs in any size
For women's teams, school programs, and youth leagues, Hoopsbasket ships custom basketballs in five hybrid indoor-outdoor models. We offer Size 6 (women's), Size 7 (men's), and youth sizes by special order. Start with Model 1 for classic composite-leather feel.
Coaching women's basketball? Pair the ball with our Women's NCAA coaching board, plus the training equipment collection for skill development.
Related reading
- NBA Basketball Size: Official Dimensions (Men, Women, Youth)
- NCAA Women's Court Dimensions
- The evolution of the basketball: Spalding 1894 to Wilson today
Images: Pixabay. Used under the Pixabay Content License.
