The official basketballs used in the National Basketball Association and the Women’s National Basketball Association differ in circumference and weight. This discrepancy is a significant distinction between the two professional leagues.
The use of different ball sizes reflects considerations related to the average hand size and strength of the players in each league. Employing appropriately sized equipment contributes to player comfort, control, and overall performance, potentially influencing shooting accuracy and ball-handling efficiency. Historically, the WNBA adopted a smaller ball to enhance gameplay for its athletes.