Ever wondered how age diversity shapes the performances in the WNBA? Echoing Aaliyah’s iconic phrase, “age ain’t nothing but a number,” the league is a vibrant mix of young prodigies and seasoned veterans, each bringing unique contributions to the game.
Key takeaways:
- Average Age: WNBA players have an average age of 27.3 years in 2023.
- Young Talents: Aliyah Boston, Jade Melbourne, and Sika Koné are the youngest WNBA players at age 21.
- Veteran Star: Diana Taurasi, at 41, is the oldest WNBA player.
- Age Limit: The league sets the WNBA age limit at 22 years old for domestic players (or once they’ve graduated college) and 20 for international talents.
From the youngest WNBA player making her mark to the seasoned veterans who use their experience to dominate, age in the WNBA is a story of how maturity and knowledge play a role in a player becoming great.
In this article, we explore the ages of WNBA players, including the average age of WNBA players. Also, we look at WNBA age limits and requirements.
Meet the Youngest WNBA Players
In the 2023 season, the title of the youngest WNBA player is shared by three talents. Together, they showcase the league’s age diversity well below the average age of WNBA players.
Three players — Aliyah Boston, Jade Melbourne, and Sika Koné, aged 21, are the youngest WNBA players.
Aliyah Boston
Firstly, Aliyah Boston has quickly become a cornerstone for the Indiana Fever. At 6’5″, she’s among the tallest WNBA players and dominates at center/forward. Aliyah was the first overall pick of the 2023 WNBA Draft. In her debut season, she tallied 14.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. Her unanimous Rookie of the Year honor and All-Star starter selection are testaments to her talent and impact.
Jade Melbourne
Meanwhile, Jade Melbourne, another youngest WNBA player in 2023, plays for the Seattle Storm. The 5’11” guard, a 33rd overall pick in the 2022 Draft, is one of the league’s long-standing international appeal and the varied average age of WNBA players. She contributed 2.6 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game in 2023.
Sika Koné
Finally, Sika Koné is a 6’3” forward/center for the Chicago Sky. She was the 29th pick by the New York Liberty in the 2022 Draft and made history as the fifth Malian woman in the WNBA. Sika averaged 3.6 points and three rebounds per game in 2023.
Learn more: What is a rebound in basketball?
The Oldest WNBA Veterans
Diana Taurasi is the oldest WNBA player in 2023, 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.
One of the highest paid WNBA players today, Diana’s career is filled with accolades, including the WNBA Rookie of the Year Award in 2004 and three WNBA championships in 2007, 2009, and 2014. Her iconic stature in the league has led to speculations that she is the inspiration behind the silhouette of the current WNBA logo.
In a league where the oldest WNBA player and youngest WNBA player battle it out on the same court, Diana credits her healthier lifestyle for being able to play still and succeed.
Learn more: How much do WNBA players make?
The Average Age of WNBA Players
The average age of WNBA players in 2023 is 27.3 years.
When figuring the average age of each player, we used data available on WNBA.com. We arrived at this figure by averaging the ages of all active players in the 2023 season.
This average age of WNBA players stat underscores a league where emerging talents and experienced veterans coexist, each contributing to the WNBA’s competitive landscape.
Learn more: Which player has the most WNBA championships?
WNBA Age Limit and Requirements
Entering the WNBA is a dream for many. Still, it’s also a process governed by WNBA eligibility rules around players’ ages.
These criteria are in place to ensure players possess the basketball skills and life experience to navigate the professional landscape. It answers the often-asked question, “What is the minimum age to play in the WNBA?”
- 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, the landscape shifts slightly. 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
Visit our WNBA fan guide to learn even more about the players who make up the league.
