What is the average height in the WNBA? Guide position by position

Since its inception in 1996, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has featured elite athletes who inspire fans around the world. Among the many attributes that set these players apart is WNBA average height, which often becomes a key factor in their performance and role on the court.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• The average height of the WNBA
• Frequently asked questions

This article explores the WNBA’s average height, examines how it varies by position, and compares it to other basketball leagues, including the NBA. To provide an accurate study, we evaluated each team’s most recent data on the WNBA website.

The average height of the WNBA

According to official data from WNBA.com, the average height of WNBA players in 2024 is 6 feet 0.65 inches (184.55 cm). That’s 0.1 inch more than the WNBA’s average height in 2023.

The figure is also taller than the average American woman, who is 5 feet 4 inches (162.5 cm) tall. However, height alone does not predict success in women’s basketball; talent, agility and basketball IQ are also important factors.

WNBA heights: position by position distribution

In the WNBA, 60 players are classified as under 6 feet tall, which is more than 37 percent of the entire league. Size alone does not determine success in the WNBA; The fundamentals of basketball are equally important to the effectiveness of players on the court.

WNBA Average Center Height

Centers are often the tallest players on the court, known for their ability to protect the rim and grab rebounds. They are also the tallest players on the team, with impressive strength and body mass. The average WNBA center height is 6’4.37″ (193.99 cm).

The tallest player in the WNBA at present, also a center, is Han Xu, who is 6 feet 11 inches (210.8 cm) tall. Despite their height advantage, smaller centers have been successful in the league. For example, 6’3″ players like Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu and Megan Gustafson have had a huge impact.

One of the most excellent centers in WNBA history is Brittney Griner. She is 6 feet 9 inches (206 cm) tall and holds the WNBA record for most dunks spanning multiple seasons.

The average height of WNBA forwards

Forwards are versatile players who frequently serve as a bridge between guards and centers. The average height of WNBA forwards is 6 feet 2.04 inches (188.07 cm).

The tallest forwards are Jonquel Jones of the New York Liberty and Awak Kuier of the Dallas Wings, both standing at 6 feet 6 inches (198.12 cm). Smaller forwards, like Alysha Clark and Gabby Williams, both 5’11”, have demonstrated that skill can transcend size.

Mid-size WNBA point guard

Playmakers are often the smallest players on the field. They are responsible for making plays and guiding the offense. The average WNBA point guard height is typically around 5’9″ to 5’11” (175.26 cm – 180 cm).

Crystal Dangerfield and Olivia Époupa are the shortest point guards in the WNBA in 2024, measuring 5 feet 5 inches (165.1 cm).

Average size WNBA vs. NBA

NBA players are typically 4 to 4.5 inches taller than their WNBA counterparts. The average NBA center height is 6 feet 8.86 inches (205.8 cm), while the WNBA average is 6 feet 4.37 inches.

NBA guards average 6 feet 4.18 inches (193.18 cm) tall, more than 4 inches taller than the average WNBA guard. This distinction highlights the physical differences between men’s and women’s sports while highlighting the talent and strategy needed to succeed in both leagues.

Elena Delle Donne, former MVP and 5-time All-Star, spoke out on the issue. She argued that lowering the rim would better highlight women’s athletics.

Other players, like Diana Taurasi, fought back. She fears it will erode the legitimacy of women’s basketball. The Medium reports her as saying:

“We might as well put on our skirts and go back to the kitchen.”

An analysis demonstrates the feasibility of this concept. Using average heights, standing reach, and vertical jumps, it is evident that the average WNBA player is at a disadvantage compared to their NBA peers when playing at a rim height of 10 feet.

How many dunks does the WNBA make compared to the NBA?

According to Sports Business Journal, the average NBA game features seven dunks. That’s seven dunks for each of 1,230 games in a season, resulting in 8,610 dunks per year. In the WNBA, there have only been 37 dunks in its 27-year history.

While the NBA records individual players with more than 100 dunks in a single season, Brittney Griner, the WNBA’s all-time record holder, has 26 dunks. Only eight women have had a dunk in WNBA history, as reported by Sporting News.

These discussions raise more than just questions about how to improve the game. They also highlight what sets the WNBA apart.

Frequently asked questions

When we looked at the average height of WNBA players and how it affects their on-court functions, it’s evident that height plays an important but subtle role in defining player performance. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions.

• What is the average height of a WNBA player? The average height of a WNBA player is 6 feet 0.65 inches (184.55 cm).
• Who is the tallest woman in the WNBA? Han Xu is the tallest active player in the WNBA, standing at 6 feet 11 inches (210.8 cm). Historically, the tallest WNBA player was Margo Dydek, who measured 7 feet 2 inches (218.4 cm).
• Was there ever a 7-foot WNBA player? Margo Dydek remains the only 7-foot-2-inch (2.18 m) WNBA player in league history.
• Is there a height requirement for the WNBA? There is no formal height requirement for the WNBA, but taller players often have a physical advantage.

Although average size in the WNBA often dominates discussions, many prove that talent, work ethic and passion are just as important. Whether you’re a towering center or a smaller guard, the league celebrates athletes of all shapes and sizes.

ALSO READ: WNBA Average Salary and Highest Earnings: How They Compare to the NBA

Briefly published an article on the WNBA average salary and top earners. The salary structure in professional basketball has long sparked curiosity, especially when comparing men’s and women’s salaries.

While the NBA is known for its high salaries, WNBA players face a different financial reality. Despite the rise of women’s basketball, the WNBA’s average salary remains questionable.

Source: In Brief News