This article was originally published on October 9, 2023, and then updated on June 7, 2024 to reflect the latest WNBA roster data.
Echoing Aaliyah’s iconic phrase, “age ain’t nothing but a number,” the WNBA is a vibrant mix of young, just-out-of-college rookies and seasoned veterans, each bringing unique contributions to the league.
In the W, age is a valuable commodity because it often comes with experience. Regardless of the unfair expectations placed on some rookies this season, players need time to adjust to the monumental shift from college to pros.
So, let’s take a look at player ages in the WNBA in 2024. To do this, I collected current team roster data available on WNBA.com.
Here are the key takeaways:
- Average Age of WNBA Players: WNBA players have an average age of 27.2 years in 2024.
- Youngest WNBA Players: Aaliyah Edwards, Jade Melbourne, and Sika Koné are the youngest players in the WNBA this season. They’re all 21 years of age.
- Oldest WNBA Player: Diana Taurasi, turning 42 on June 11, is the oldest WNBA player in 2024.
- WNBA Age Limit: The WNBA age limit is 22 years old for domestic players (or once they’ve graduated college) and 20 for international talents.
But that’s not all to know about age in the WNBA. Stay with me as I give a more detailed look at average age of WNBA players, including age breakdowns by team, plus who the oldest and youngest WNBA players are this season. I’ll also dive deeper into WNBA age limits and requirements.
Average Age of WNBA Players
What is the average age of WNBA players in 2024? The answer is 27.2 years.
In 2023, the average WNBA player age was 27.3 years. So not much year-over-year change!
To figure the average age of players this year and last, I used data available on WNBA.com. I arrived at this year’s figure by averaging the ages of all active roster players in the 2024 season.
Here’s a visual look at WNBA player age in 2024:
Who is the Youngest WNBA Player in 2024?
Jade Melbourne of the Washington Mystics is the youngest WNBA player in 2024. She’s currently 21 years old and will turn 22 on August 18.
Right behind her are Sika Koné (21 years old, turns 22 on July 13) and Aaliyah Edwards (21 years old, turns 22 on July 9).
Jade Melbourne, officially the youngest WNBA player in 2024, is in her second WNBA season. The 5’11” Australian guard plays for the Washington Mystics this season. As a 33rd overall pick in the 2022 Draft, she started her WNBA career with the Seattle Storm. She contributed 4.8 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game for the Storm in 2023.
Meanwhile, Sika Koné is a 6’3” forward/center for the Minnesota Lynx. Chicago Sky. She was the 29th pick by the New York Liberty in the 2022 Draft before signing for a season with the Chicago Sky in 2023. Sika averaged 3.6 points and 3 rebounds per game in 2023.
Finally, Aaliyah Edwards begins her first WNBA season in 2024 with the Washington Mystics after being the 6th overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. She enters the league following an impressive career at UCONN, where she earned WBCA Coaches’ All-American and AP Honorable Mention All-American awards her senior year.
List of Youngest WNBA Players in 2024
| NAME | TEAM | AGE | BIRTHDAY |
| Jade Melbourne | Washington Mystics | 21 | August 18, 2002 |
| Sika Koné | Minnesota Lynx | 21 | July 13, 2002 |
| Aaliyah Edwards | Washington Mystics | 21 | July 9, 2002 |
| Angel Reese | Chicago Sky | 22 | May 6, 2002 |
| Caitlin Clark | Indiana Fever | 22 | January 22, 2002 |
| Cameron Brink | Los Angeles Sparks | 22 | December 31, 2001 |
| Aliyah Boston | Indiana Fever | 22 | December 11, 2001 |
| Laeticia Amihere | Atlanta Dream | 22 | July 10, 2001 |
| Celeste Taylor | Indiana Fever | 22 | June 20, 2001 |
| Alissa Pili | Minnesota Lynx | 22 | June 8, 2001 |
Who is the Oldest WNBA Player in 2024?
Diana Taurasi is the oldest WNBA player in 2024, proving that talent and skill can defy the average age of WNBA players. At 41, Diana remains a pivotal player for the Phoenix Mercury, a team she has been with since being drafted first in the 2004 WNBA Draft. She credits her healthier lifestyle for her long career.
One of the highest paid WNBA players today, Diana has racked up accolades, including the WNBA Rookie of the Year Award in 2004 and three WNBA championships in 2007, 2009, and 2014. Her iconic career has led to speculations that she is the inspiration behind the silhouette of the current WNBA logo.
List of Oldest WNBA Players in 2024
| NAME | TEAM | AGE | BIRTHDAY |
| Diana Taurasi | Phoenix Mercury | 41 | June 11, 1982 |
| Dewanna Bonner | Connecticut Sun | 36 | August 21, 1987 |
| Alysha Clark | Las Vegas Aces | 36 | July 7, 1987 |
| Tina Charles | Atlanta Dream | 35 | December 5, 1988 |
| Sami Whitcomb | Seattle Storm | 35 | July 20, 1988 |
| Emma Cannon | Las Vegas Aces | 35 | June 1, 1989 |
| Courtner Vandersloot | New York Liberty | 35 | February 8, 1989 |
| Tiffany Hayes | Las Vegas Aces | 34 | September 20, 1989 |
| Sydney Colson | Las Vegas Aces | 34 | August 6, 1989 |
Breaking Down Average Age By Team
The 12 teams that make up the WNBA in 2024 (see our WNBA teams map) are close when it comes to average age. But, the Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury are the oldest teams this year. The Indiana Fever are the youngest team in 2024.
Here’s a break down of average WNBA age by team.
Atlanta Dream
The Atlanta Dream has a team average age of 27.08 years. Tina Charles is the oldest at 35. At 22, Laeticia Amihere is the youngest on the team.
Chicago Sky
The Chicago Sky has a team average age of 26.42 years. Isabelle Harrison and Elizabeth Williams are the oldest on the team, at 30. The youngest is Angel Reese, at 22.
Connecticut Sun
The Connecticut Sun has a team average age of 28.36 years. DeWanna Bonner is the oldest on the team at 36, while Olivia Nelson-Ododa and Veronica Burton are the youngest at 23.
Dallas Wings
The Dallas Wings have a team average age of 26.25 years. Natasha Howard, at 32, is the oldest. Rookie Jacy Sheldon, the youngest player on the squad, is 23.
Indiana Fever
The Indiana Fever has a team average age of 26.08 years, making them the shortest team in the league this season. At 33, Erica Wheeler is the oldest on the team. Aliyah Boston, Caitlin Clark, and Celeste Taylor, who are all 22, are the youngest.
See more: Our list of top Caitlin Clark quotes.
Las Vegas Aces
The Las Vegas Aces have a team average age of 29.83 years, making them the oldest team this year. Alysha Clark, at 36, is the team’s oldest player. On the youngest end of the spectrum are Kiersten Bell and Kate Martin, who are 24.
Los Angeles Sparks
The Los Angeles Sparks have a team average age of 26.5 years. Layshia Clarendon, at 33, is the oldest on the team. Cameron Brink is the youngest at 22.
Minnesota Lynx
The Minnesota Lynx has a team average age of 26.23 years. Kayla McBride, at 31, is the oldest on the team. Sika Koné, at 21, is the youngest.
New York Liberty
The New York Liberty has a team average age of 27.73 years. Courtney Vandersloot, the oldest player on the team, is 35. Marquesa Davis is 23 and the youngest on the team.
Phoenix Mercury
The Phoenix Mercury have a team average age of 29 years, putting them just behind the Aces in age. Diana Taurasi is the oldest for the Mercury and the league at 41. Liz Dixon is the youngest on the team at 23.
Seattle Storm
The Seattle Storm have a team average age of 28.09 years. Sami Whitcomb at 35 is the oldest on the team. Jordan Houston and Nika Mühl are the youngest on the squad at 23.
Washington Mystics
The Washington Mystics have a team average age of 26.67 years. Oldest on the team is Stefanie Dolson, at 32. Meanwhile, Jade Melbourne and Aaliyah Edwards, each 21, are the youngest on the roster and in the league.
Top 10 A’ja Wilson Shirts: Your Guide to the Best A’ja Wilson Tees (2024)
9 Women’s Basketball Coaches Who Won Championships as Players
Top 9 Must-Visit Women’s Basketball Landmarks Across the US
WNBA Age Limit and Requirements
Entering the WNBA is a dream for many. While strength, speed, and skill are most important, age does influence whether a player can join the league. There are WNBA eligibility rules around players’ ages.
These criteria are in place to ensure players possess the basketball skills and life experience to successfully navigate the professional landscape.
Does the WNBA Have an Age Limit?
- The WNBA age limit is clearly defined for U.S. players. For example, domestic players must turn 22 in the year the draft is held. A U.S. player under 22 (as with the league’s current youngest WNBA players) can join the league if they graduate from a four-year university. Or, if they are four years removed from high school.
- For international talents, it’s slightly different. Players turning 20 in the year of the draft are eligible.
On the other end of the spectrum, there is no maximum age limit to join the WNBA. In 2022, Rebekah Gardner became a WNBA rookie at 32 after a decade of trying to earn a roster spot. She helped the Chicago Sky make it to the WNBA playoffs in her second season.
More WNBA Info
Looking for more WNBA knowledge? Read our look at the average height of WNBA players or visit our WNBA fan guide to learn even more about the players who make up the league.
