Expert: Borko Bariæ - 8/14/2004

Question
what is the difference between the NBA ball
and the WNBA ball?

Answer
Hi!

 As far as I know, there are no differences in size. Both leagues use standard Spalding size 7 ball with 29.5" circumference, inflated at between 7.5 and 8.5 pounds pressure. The only difference may be in colour, since the NBA uses the ball that is full-orange, while the WNBA ball is orange-white. However, neither is stated in their respective official rules.

I hope that answers your question.

---

After receiving a follow-up question, I dug a little deeper and found this out:

The official WNBA rules state that (quote):

The ball should be an officially approved WNBA ball with a weight not less than 18 ounces nor more than 20 ounces. The circumference of the ball shall be within a maximum of 29 inches and a minimum of 28.5 inches.

(unquote)

The NBA only states (quote)

The ball shall be an officially approved NBA ball between 7 1 /2 and 8 1 /2 pounds pressure.

(unquote),

while Spaulding advertises therir basketballs as "Official NBA full-size" at 29.5 inches.

So I guess I was wrong. My bad.
Sorry.