The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has been home to some of the most talented and athletic female basketball players in the world since its inception in 1997.
As the league has evolved, so too has the physical stature of its players. In this comprehensive analysis, we’ll explore the average heights of WNBA players 6 feet (183 cm), examining trends across positions, teams, and time.
Average WNBA Height Over Time
The average height of WNBA players has seen subtle but significant changes since the league’s early days. In the inaugural 1997 season, the average player stood at approximately 6 feet.
Fast forward to 2024, and we see a noticeable increase in the overall average height.
As of the 2024 season, the average WNBA player height has risen to 6 feet. This increase of about 3 inches over nearly three decades reflects several factors:
- Improved scouting and recruitment of taller athletes
- Enhanced nutrition and training programs for young female basketball players
- A growing talent pool as the sport gains popularity worldwide
- Evolving game strategies that favor height advantages in certain positions
It’s important to note that while the average height has increased, the WNBA still maintains a diverse range of player heights, each bringing unique skills and attributes to the game.
Average WNBA Height by Position
Height distribution in the WNBA varies significantly by position, with each role on the court having specific height requirements or advantages. Let’s break down the average heights for each position in the 2024 season:
Average WNBA Center
Centers are typically the tallest players on the court, responsible for rebounding, shot-blocking, and scoring in the paint.
In 2024, the average height for WNBA centers is 6 feet 4.37 inches. These players often possess a combination of height, strength, and agility that makes them formidable in the post area.
Average WNBA Power Forward
Power forwards, also known as the “4” position, are usually the second-tallest players on the team. They play a crucial role in both offensive and defensive rebounding while also contributing to scoring.
The average height for WNBA power forwards in 2024 is 6 feet 2.04 inches. These players often combine height with athleticism to excel in their multifaceted role.
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Average WNBA Small Forward
Small forwards, or the “3” position, serve as versatile players who can contribute both inside and outside the paint. In 2024, the average height for WNBA small forwards is 6′ 0″ (1.83 m) to 6′ 2″ (1.88 m).
This height allows them to match up defensively against various opponents while also providing a scoring threat from multiple areas on the court.
Average WNBA Shooting Guard
Shooting guards, also called the “2” position, are primarily perimeter players known for their scoring ability. The average height for WNBA shooting guards in 2024 is 6 feet 0.12 inches (183.19 centimeters).
This height gives them an advantage in shooting over defenders while still maintaining the quickness needed for perimeter play.
Average WNBA Point Guard
Point guards, or the “1” position, are typically the shortest players on the team but play a crucial role in directing the offense. In 2024, the average height for WNBA point guards is  6 feet 0.12 inches (183.19 centimeters). Despite being shorter, these players often possess exceptional speed, agility, and court vision.
Tallest WNBA Players in 2024
The WNBA has seen its share of exceptionally tall players throughout its history. In the 2024 season, several players stand out for their towering presence on the court:
| Name | Average Height |
| Liz Cambage | 2.06 metres (6 ft 9 in) |
| Brittney Griner | 6 ft 9 in (2.06 cm) |
| Han Xu | 2.11Â m |
| Bernadett Határ | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) |
| Megan Gustafson | 1.91Â m |
These players not only bring height to their teams but also possess remarkable skills that make them dominant forces in the league.
Shortest WNBA Players in 2024
While height is often an advantage in basketball, the WNBA also showcases the talents of shorter players who bring speed, agility, and exceptional ball-handling skills to the game. Some of the shortest players in the 2024 WNBA season include:
| Name | Average Height |
| Leilani Mitchell | 165cm |
| Brittney Griner | 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters) |
| Crystal Dangerfield | 1.65Â m |
| Erica Wheeler | 1.7Â m |
| Chennedy Carter | 1.75Â m |
These players prove that height isn’t everything in basketball, often using their lower center of gravity to their advantage in ball-handling and defensive situations.
Average Height in 2024 by Team
Each WNBA team has its unique composition of players, resulting in varying average heights across the league. Here’s a breakdown of the average player height for each team in the 2024 season:
Seattle Storm
The Seattle Storm boasts an average player height of 6′ 1″ (1.85m) , slightly above the league average. This team has historically valued versatility, with players capable of playing multiple positions.
Phoenix Mercury
The Phoenix Mercury, home to one of the league’s tallest players in Brittney Griner, has an average player height of 6’2“.” (188 cm). This above-average height contributes to their strong interior presence.
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Chicago Sky
The Chicago Sky maintains an average player height of 5′ 8″, right at the league average. Their balanced roster allows for a mix of playing styles and strategies.
Las Vegas Aces
With an average player height of  6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) the Las Vegas Aces utilize their size advantage in both offensive and defensive schemes.
Atlanta Dream
The Atlanta Dream’s roster averages 6′ 3″ in height, slightly below the league average. They often compensate with speed and agility in their game plan.
Dallas Wings
The Dallas Wings feature an average player height of 6’0″ (183 cm), matching the league average and allowing for flexible lineup configurations.
Washington Mystics
With an average height of 5′ 11″, the Washington Mystics rely on their size to dominate in rebounding and interior defense.
Minnesota Lynx
The Minnesota Lynx maintain an average player height of 6′ 3″, balancing size with speed across their roster.
Connecticut Sun
The Connecticut Sun’s roster averages 6’1″ (185 cm) in height, giving them a slight size advantage in many matchups.
New York Liberty
With an average player height of  6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) , the New York Liberty fields a team that can adapt to various playing styles.
Los Angeles Sparks
The Los Angeles Sparks maintain an average height of 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m), often relying on quickness and shooting to overcome size disadvantages.
Indiana Fever
The Indiana Fever rounds out the league with an average player height of 6′ 9 “fitting the league standard and allowing for versatile lineups.
Significance of Average Height in the WNBA
The average height of WNBA players plays a crucial role in shaping the style and strategy of the game.
hile height is undoubtedly an advantage in basketball, the WNBA showcases how players of various statures can excel through skill, athleticism, and basketball IQ.
Taller players often dominate in rebounding, shot-blocking, and scoring in the paint. Their presence can alter opponents’ shots and provide a significant advantage in post-up situations.
Teams with above-average height may focus on interior scoring and defensive strategies that leverage their size advantage.
Conversely, shorter players often excel in speed, agility, and ball-handling. They can create mismatches by quickly driving past taller defenders or using their lower center of gravity to maintain better control in tight spaces.
Teams with below-average height might employ more perimeter-oriented strategies, focusing on three-point shooting and fast-break opportunities.
The diversity in player heights across the WNBA contributes to the league’s dynamic and exciting style of play. It allows for various strategies and matchups, keeping the game fresh and unpredictable.
Coaches must carefully consider height advantages and disadvantages when devising game plans and making substitutions.
Moreover, the increasing average height in the WNBA over time reflects the growing talent pool and the evolution of the women’s game.
As more young girls are inspired to play basketball and as training and development programs improve, we’re likely to see continued changes in the physical profile of WNBA players.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall do you have to be for WNBA?
There is no specific height requirement for the WNBA. Players of various heights have found success in the league, from 5’5″ to 6’10”.
What’s the average WNBA player height?
As of the 2024 season, the average WNBA player height is 6 feet.
How many 7 foot players are in the WNBA?
As of 2024, there are no 7-foot players in the WNBA. The tallest player is 6’10”.
How tall is a WNBA net?
The WNBA uses the same hoop height as the NBA and men’s college basketball: 10 feet (305 cm).
What’s the height difference between NBA and WNBA players?
On average, WNBA players are about 6 inches shorter than NBA players, with the NBA average being around 6 feet (183 cm).
Conclusion
The landscape of player heights in the WNBA is as diverse as it is dynamic.
From the towering presence of 6’10” centers to the lightning-quick 5’5” point guards, the league showcases a wide range of physical attributes that contribute to its unique and exciting brand of basketball.
As we’ve seen, the average height of WNBA players has increased over time, reflecting the sport’s evolution and the growing pool of talent.
However, success in the WNBA isn’t solely determined by height. Players of all sizes continue to make significant impacts on the court through their skills, athleticism, and basketball intelligence.
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