Credits: Official Instagram account of Brittney Griner/@brittneyyevettegriner
Basketball instantly brings to mind athletes with impressive height, slick ball-handling, and the physical tools to meet the demands of the game. While talent and training shape a player’s success, height often steals the spotlight especially in the WNBA.
That added length isn’t just for show. It gives players a real edge, particularly when they’re finishing at the rim or contesting shots. Even though WNBA athletes aren’t as tall on average as their NBA peers, that doesn’t hold them back one bit. The height of the hoop remains the same at 10 feet.
They blend size, speed, and sharp instincts to compete at the top of their game. It’s not just about how tall you are, it’s about how you can combine it with your skills. Height helps, sure, but when paired with skill and smarts, it becomes a weapon. So what is the average height of WNBA players? Let’s find out in this WNBA analysis blog.
The WNBA’s current roster features 179 active players, and their average height now comes in at 6 feet and 0.79 inches, roughly 184.89 cm. Compared to last year, that’s a small uptick of about 0.1%. Though the increase is minimal, it still hints at how the league continues to evolve physically. Rather than dramatic jumps, it’s these subtle shifts that quietly shape trends in the game. You might not notice it just by watching, but when height averages move, even slightly, it often reflects deeper changes in scouting, training, or even team strategies. Height might not be everything, but in a sport where matchups and spacing matter, these little details can add up over time.
While the average height gives a general picture, it doesn’t tell the whole story. At the end of the day, Basketball is a team sport and your role matters more than raw measurements. A point guard’s height won’t match a center’s and that’s alright. In hoops, centers are usually the tallest on the court, they're your rim protectors and rebound machines. In 2025, WNBA centers average around 6 feet 4.92 inches, or 195.38 cm. Brittney Griner tops the list at 6’9”, making her the league’s tallest active player. Forwards come next in line when it comes to height. Their average stands at 6 feet 2.45 inches (189.09 cm) this year. They’re typically versatile, big enough to battle inside but agile enough to defend on the wing. If you want to dive deep into this topic check out this article Average height of WNBA player.
There have also been WNBA athletes who have shown that size isn't everything. They've earned their place not by towering over defenders but by putting in serious work and showing off rare talent. Shannon Bobbitt stands out as the shortest player to ever step onto a WNBA court. At 5'2", she narrowly edges Debbie Black, who was listed at 5’2½”.
Then there’s Crystal Dangerfield. Despite standing just 5’5”, she made a name for herself in 2020 by winning Rookie of the Year. Her most recent stint came with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2024, though she’s currently a free agent.
The takeaway? You don’t need to be tall to succeed in the WNBA, you just need the game to back it up. These players didn’t rely on height; they earned respect through hustle, sharp skills, and an unshakable mindset.
