Average WNBA Height: How Tall Is The Average WNBA Player?

When you think of basketball, height often jumps to mind. In the WNBA, players combine skill, speed, and stature to dominate the court. Curious about the average wnba height or how tall the average WNBA player is? Let’s break it down like we’re chatting courtside, exploring heights by position and what they mean for the game.

The average height in the WNBA is a topic fans love to dig into. From towering centers to speedy guards, height shapes roles and strategies. This guide uses 2025 data to give you the full scoop.

What’s the Average Height of a WNBA Player?

The average height of a WNBA player in 2025 is about 6 feet 0.79 inches (184.89 cm), based on official WNBA stats. This covers 179 active players across the league. It’s a slight uptick—0.1%—from 2023, showing a gradual trend toward taller players.

Height matters in basketball, but it’s not everything. Skills like shooting and agility make shorter players shine too. Let’s see how heights vary by position.

Average WNBA Height by Position

Each position in the WNBA has distinct height trends. Centers are the tallest, guarding the rim and grabbing rebounds. Forwards follow, balancing scoring and defense. Guards, the shortest, run the offense with speed.

Here’s a chart comparing average heights by position in 2025:

These numbers come from WNBA.com and Basketball-Reference, reflecting active rosters. Now, let’s dive deeper into each role.

Average WNBA Height of a Center

Centers are the giants of the WNBA, anchoring the paint. The average wnba player height for centers in 2025 is 6 feet 4.92 inches (195.38 cm). That’s a 12.6% jump from two seasons ago, showing teams are prioritizing height.

Brittney Griner, at 6’9”, is the tallest active center and player in the league. Her height helps her dominate rebounds and blocks. But players like 6’3” Aliyah Boston prove skill can match stature.

Average WNBA Height of a Forward

Forwards, including small and power forwards, are versatile scorers and defenders. The average height for WNBA players in this role is 6 feet 2.45 inches (189.09 cm) in 2025. This is a 20% increase since 2023, per ESPN data.

Azura Stevens, standing at 6’6”, is the tallest active forward. Yet, stars like 6’0” A’ja Wilson show that agility and scoring matter just as much.

Average WNBA Height of a Guard

Guards are the playmakers, often the shortest on the court. The average height of a WNBA guard in 2025 is 5 feet 10.1 inches (177.82 cm). This is a 3% drop from 2023’s 6-foot average, suggesting a shift toward quicker, shorter guards.

Mai Yamamoto, at 5’4”, is the shortest active guard, while Rhyne Howard, at 6’2”, is the tallest. Guards rely on speed and shooting, not just height.

Why Height Matters in the WNBA

Height gives an edge in basketball. Taller players can block shots, grab rebounds, and score over defenders. In the paint, a few inches can mean a dunk or a block.

But shorter players thrive too. Guards like 5’5” Sabrina Ionescu use agility and long-range shooting to compete. What is the average height of a WNBA player if not a balance of height and skill?

Trends in WNBA Heights Over Time

The average height in the WNBA has crept up slightly. In 2023, it was 6 feet 0.7 inches, now 6 feet 0.79 inches in 2025. Centers and forwards are driving this, with bigger players joining rosters.

Data from Sports & Fitness Industry Association shows rookies in 2025 average 6’1”, taller than a decade ago. Teams value height but also versatility, blending tall and short stars.

Comparing WNBA and NBA Heights

The NBA’s average height is taller, around 6 feet 6 inches in 2025, per NBA.com. That’s about 5 inches more than the WNBA’s average wnba height. Centers in the NBA, like 7’4” Victor Wembanyama, dwarf even Brittney Griner.

But WNBA players hold their own. Their game emphasizes fundamentals over raw height, making it just as thrilling. I’ve watched games where 5’7” Kelsey Plum outplays taller foes with pure hustle.

Notable Tall and Short WNBA Players

Brittney Griner (6’9”) is the WNBA’s tallest active player, a rebounding and dunking force. Azura Stevens (6’6”) and Breanna Stewart (6’4”) also tower over forwards. These heights give them an edge in the paint.

On the shorter end, Mai Yamamoto (5’4”) and Crystal Dangerfield (5’5”) shine as guards. Their speed and ball-handling prove height isn’t everything. It’s like watching a David vs. Goliath matchup.

How Height Impacts WNBA Roles

Centers use height to dominate rebounds and blocks. Forwards need stature for defense but also agility for scoring. Guards rely less on height, focusing on playmaking and shooting.

What’s the average height in the WNBA for versatility? It’s the mix of tall centers like Griner and quick guards like Yamamoto that makes the league dynamic.

FAQs

What is the average height of a WNBA player?
The average height of a WNBA player in 2025 is 6 feet 0.79 inches (184.89 cm), based on 179 active players.

How tall is the average WNBA player by position?
Centers average 6 feet 4.92 inches, forwards 6 feet 2.45 inches, and guards 5 feet 10.1 inches in 2025.

Who is the tallest WNBA player in 2025?
Brittney Griner, at 6 feet 9 inches, is the tallest active player and center.

Who is the shortest WNBA player in 2025?
Mai Yamamoto, at 5 feet 4 inches, is the shortest active guard.

How does WNBA height compare to the NBA?
The WNBA average is 6 feet 0.79 inches, while the NBA’s is around 6 feet 6 inches in 2025.

Has the average height for WNBA players changed?
Yes, it’s increased slightly by 0.1% from 2023 to 2025, especially for centers and forwards.

Conclusion

The average WNBA height—around 6 feet 0.79 inches—tells only part of the story. Centers like Brittney Griner tower at 6’9”, while guards like Mai Yamamoto shine at 5’4”. Height shapes roles, but skill seals the deal. Whether you’re curious about how tall is the average WNBA player or how positions stack up, the WNBA’s mix of heights makes every game a thrill. Next time you watch, notice how height and hustle collide.