The WNBA is a league known for its athleticism, strategy, and sheer grit, featuring some of the most talented and athletic players in the world.
In this arena, towering giants walk the court, their presence commanding attention and influencing the game in ways that leave fans awestruck.
But who are the tallest WNBA players ever? And how does height affect their performance on the court?
In this article, we will explore the tallest WNBA players ever and how their height has influenced their performance on the court.
Based on their official heights listed on the WNBA website, here are some of the tallest WNBA players of all time:
10. Olga Firsova – 6’8″
Olga Firsova is a former professional basketball player who was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, on April 23, 1976. Standing 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 215 pounds, she played the center position. Firsova began her collegiate basketball career at Weatherford College in Texas from 1997 to 1999, before transferring to Kansas State University for her senior year. During her time at Kansas State, she earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors twice and was recognized as an Academic All-Big 12 Honorable Mention selection twice. Wikipedia
In the 2000 WNBA Draft, Firsova was selected by the New York Liberty as the 13th overall pick in the first round. She played for the Liberty during the 2000 WNBA season, which was the team’s fourth season in the league. The Liberty reached the WNBA Finals that year but were swept by the Houston Comets. Wikipedia
Over the course of the 2000 WNBA season, Firsova appeared in 9 regular-season games, averaging 1.3 points, 0.4 rebounds, and 0.1 assists per game. She also played in 3 playoff games, contributing 2.0 points and 0.3 rebounds per game. RealGM Basketball
In addition to her WNBA career, Firsova represented Russia in the 2000 Summer Olympics, where she earned a silver medal. She became a United States citizen on July 25, 2008. Wikipedia
9. Lindsay Taylor – 6’8″
Lindsay Corine Taylor, born on May 20, 1981, is a retired American professional basketball player renowned for her dominance in the center position. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 meters), she is celebrated as the all-time leading scorer, shot blocker, and rebounder in the history of the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos women’s basketball program. Wikipedia
🏀 Collegiate Career at UC Santa Barbara
Taylor’s collegiate career at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) was marked by exceptional achievements. She was honored as the Big West Conference Freshman and Player of the Year in 2001, setting the stage for a remarkable tenure. From 2001 to 2004, she played a pivotal role in leading the Gauchos to four consecutive Big West Conference championships and propelled the team to the 2004 NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen, the highest in program history.
🏀 International Professional Career
After going undrafted in the 2004 WNBA Draft, Taylor embarked on an illustrious international career, playing professionally across Europe, Asia, and Africa over 13 seasons. She showcased her talents in the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA), the Polish Women’s Basketball League, the Women’s Korean Basketball League (WKBL), the French Ligue Féminine de Basketball (LFB), the Korean Basketball League (KBSL), and the Angola Women’s Basketball League. Wikipedia
🥈 2003 Pan American Games
In 2003, Taylor represented the United States at the Pan American Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Her outstanding performance contributed to the U.S. women’s basketball team’s silver medal finish, where she was widely regarded as the team’s best player. Wikipedia
🏀 WNBA Tenure with the Phoenix Mercury
Taylor’s WNBA career was brief but notable. She was selected by the Phoenix Mercury as the 26th overall pick in the second round of the 2004 WNBA Draft. During her single season with the Mercury, she appeared in five games, averaging 0.6 points, 0.6 rebounds, and 0.4 assists per game. Her performance highlighted her potential, though her WNBA tenure was limited. ESPN.com
🎓 Coaching Career
Upon retiring from professional basketball in 2015, Taylor transitioned into coaching. She began her coaching career at Hamilton High School, where she has been serving as an assistant basketball coach for six seasons, contributing her extensive experience and knowledge to developing young talent.
8. Katie Feenstra-Mattera – 6’8″
Katharen Ruth “Katie” Mattera (née Feenstra), born November 17, 1982, is a retired American professional basketball player and current college basketball coach. Standing at 6 feet 7.5 inches (2.02 meters), she is among the tallest players in WNBA history, ranking as the ninth tallest Wikipedia.
🏀 Collegiate Career at Liberty University
Mattera played college basketball at Liberty University, where she became one of the most dominant centers in NCAA Division I history. She was a three-time Big South Conference Player of the Year (2003–2005) and a three-time First-Team All-Big South selection. In 2005, she set the Big South Conference record for career blocked shots and led the nation in field goal percentage in both 2004 and 2005 Wikipedia.
🏀 WNBA Career
Mattera was selected by the Connecticut Sun as the 8th overall pick in the 2005 WNBA Draft WNBA. However, she was traded to the San Antonio Silver Stars on April 16, 2005, in exchange for Margo Dydek, the tallest player in WNBA history Basketball Reference.
During her time with the Silver Stars, Mattera established herself as a formidable presence in the paint. In the 2005 season, she averaged 8.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. Her performance earned her a spot on the 2005 WNBA All-Rookie Team WNBA. In 2006, she improved her averages to 7.8 points and 6.1 rebounds per game.
On February 22, 2007, Mattera was traded to the Detroit Shock in exchange for Ruth Riley Wikipedia. With the Shock, she played a key role in their run to the 2007 WNBA Finals, starting nine of 11 playoff games WNBA.
In 2008, Mattera was selected by the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA Expansion Draft. She played one season with the Dream, averaging 6.7 points and 3.9 rebounds per game WNBA.
Mattera returned to the San Antonio Silver Stars for the 2009 season, where she played 13 games, averaging 2.2 points and 1.7 rebounds per game WNBA. She concluded her WNBA career with the Chicago Sky in 2009.
🎓 Coaching Career
After retiring from professional basketball, Mattera transitioned into coaching. She is currently serving as a college basketball coach, applying her extensive experience and knowledge of the game to develop the next generation of players.
🏀 Legacy and Impact
Katie Mattera’s career is a testament to her skill, determination, and passion for basketball. Her journey from a standout collegiate athlete to a respected professional player and now a coach underscores her enduring impact on the sport. Her legacy continues to inspire aspiring basketball players, particularly those who aspire to excel in the center position.
7. Maria Stepanova – 6’8″
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Maria Stepanova, born on February 23, 1979, in Shpakovskoye, Russia, is a retired Russian professional basketball player renowned for her exceptional height and skills as a center. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 meters), she was among the tallest players in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and a dominant force in international basketball.
🏀 WNBA Career with the Phoenix Mercury
Stepanova was selected by the Phoenix Mercury as the 8th overall pick in the first round of the 1998 WNBA Draft WNBA. She played for the Mercury from 1998 to 2001, then returned in 2005 after a brief hiatus. Over her WNBA career, she appeared in 114 regular-season games, averaging 7.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game RealGM Basketball. In the 2001 season, she led the league in blocks per game, showcasing her defensive prowess WNBA.
🏅 International Achievements
Stepanova represented Russia in four Olympic Games: 1996, 2000, 2004, and 2008. She played a pivotal role in securing a silver medal in the 2000 Sydney Olympics and bronze medals in the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Olympics Wikipedia. Her contributions were instrumental in elevating Russian women’s basketball on the global stage.
🏆 Legacy and Impact
Maria Stepanova’s legacy extends beyond her on-court achievements. Her towering presence and skillful play inspired a generation of basketball players, particularly those in the center position. Her international success highlighted the global reach and competitiveness of women’s basketball, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
6. Zheng Haixia – 6’8″
Zheng Haixia (郑海霞), born March 7, 1967, in Shangqiu, Henan, China, is a retired Chinese professional basketball player and a pioneering figure in women’s basketball. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 meters), she was one of the tallest players in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and a dominant force in international basketball.
🏀 WNBA Career with the Los Angeles Sparks
In 1997, Zheng Haixia made history by becoming the first Chinese player to join the WNBA, signing with the Los Angeles Sparks. She was selected by the Sparks in the second round (16th overall) of the WNBA Elite Draft. Over two seasons (1997–1998), Zheng played 34 games, starting 23, and averaged 8.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game. She led the league in field goal percentage during her rookie season, shooting 61.8% from the field. In recognition of her sportsmanship, she received the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award in 1997, becoming the first Asian and international player to earn this honor. WNBA
🥇 International Achievements
Zheng Haixia represented China in four Olympic Games (1984, 1988, 1992, 1996) and four World Championships (1983, 1986, 1994, 1998). She played a pivotal role in China’s success on the international stage, earning multiple medals:
- 1984 Los Angeles Olympics: Bronze Medal
- 1988 Seoul Olympics: Silver Medal
- 1992 Barcelona Olympics: Silver Medal
- 1994 World Championship: Silver Medal
- 1996 Atlanta Olympics: Averaged 18.1 points and 9 rebounds per game
In the 1994 World Championship, Zheng was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, averaging 26.4 points and 13.1 rebounds per game while shooting 83.5% from the field. FIBA Basketball
🏆 Legacy and Recognition
Zheng Haixia’s impact on basketball transcends her playing career. She was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2021, becoming the first Chinese player to receive this honor. FIBA Basketball Her trailblazing journey in the WNBA paved the way for future generations of international players in the league. After retiring from professional basketball in 1998, Zheng returned to China and began coaching the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) women’s basketball team, contributing to the development of the sport in her home country.
5. Liz Cambage – 6’9″
Liz Cambage is a prominent Australian professional basketball player renowned for her exceptional height, scoring prowess, and international impact. Standing at 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters) and weighing 216 pounds (98 kg), Cambage is among the tallest and most dominant players in women’s basketball history.
🏀 WNBA Career Overview
Cambage was selected by the Tulsa Shock with the second overall pick in the 2011 WNBA Draft. She played for the Shock (later renamed the Dallas Wings), Los Angeles Sparks, and Las Vegas Aces during her WNBA tenure. Over 167 career games, she averaged 15.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of 54.4% Stats Crew.
Her most notable achievement came on July 17, 2018, when she set the WNBA single-game scoring record with 53 points against the New York Liberty Diario AS. This performance highlighted her scoring efficiency, as she shot 75% from the field, including 4-of-5 from three-point range and 15-of-16 from the free-throw line.
Cambage was a four-time WNBA All-Star (2011, 2018, 2019, 2021) and earned All-WNBA First Team honors in 2018 and 2019. In 2018, she led the league in scoring with an average of 23.0 points per game, marking the seventh-highest single-season scoring average in WNBA history WNBA.
🌍 International Career and Olympic Achievements
Cambage has been a key player for the Australian national team, the Opals, representing her country in multiple Olympic Games. At the 2012 London Olympics, she contributed significantly to Australia’s bronze medal victory, averaging 13.6 points and 5.6 rebounds per game WNBA.
In the 2016 Rio Olympics, Cambage delivered an outstanding performance, averaging 23.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, showcasing her dominance on the international stage WNBA.
🏆 Legacy and Impact
Cambage’s combination of size, skill, and scoring ability has left an indelible mark on women’s basketball. Her record-setting performances and accolades have solidified her status as one of the most formidable centers in the history of the sport. Beyond her on-court achievements, Cambage has been an advocate for body positivity and diversity, using her platform to address issues of race and representation in sports.
4. Brittney Griner – 6’9″
Brittney Griner is a dominant force in women’s basketball, known for her exceptional skills, towering presence, and numerous accolades. Standing at 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters) and weighing 205 pounds (93 kg), Griner has established herself as one of the most formidable centers in the history of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
🏀 WNBA Career with the Phoenix Mercury
Griner was selected by the Phoenix Mercury as the first overall pick in the 2013 WNBA Draft. Throughout her career, she has been a cornerstone of the team, earning nine All-Star selections and two WNBA Defensive Player of the Year awards. As of the 2024 season, she holds the Mercury’s all-time records for rebounds (2,125) and is second in points (5,038), trailing only Diana Taurasi. Griner also ranks third on the WNBA’s all-time blocks list and holds the league records for blocks in a game (11), blocks in a season (129), and single-season block average (4.0). She has led the league in blocks per game in a WNBA-best eight of her 10 seasons. mercury.wnba.com
🥇 Olympic and International Achievements
Griner has been a key player for Team USA, contributing to three Olympic gold medal victories in 2016, 2020, and 2024. She is one of the select few athletes to have won Olympic, World Cup, WNBA, and NCAA titles. Additionally, Griner has secured two FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup gold medals in 2014 and 2018. mercury.wnba.com
🎓 Collegiate Career at Baylor University
Before her professional success, Griner had an illustrious college career at Baylor University. She is the most decorated Baylor athlete across all sports, amassing 3,283 points and 1,305 rebounds. Griner set the NCAA record for career blocks with 748 and was a two-time consensus National Player of the Year. She led Baylor to a perfect 40-0 season and a national championship in 2012, earning the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors. Baylor
🏆 Legacy and Recognition
Griner’s impact extends beyond her on-court achievements. She was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 2025, solidifying her status as one of Texas’ greatest athletes. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of basketball players, particularly those aspiring to excel in the center position. Baylor
3. Han Xu – 6’10”
As of the 2025 WNBA season, Han Xu stands as the tallest player in league history, measuring an impressive 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 meters). Currently playing for the New York Liberty, she is also a key member of the Chinese National Women’s Basketball Team.
🏀 WNBA Career and Achievements
Han Xu was selected by the New York Liberty with the 14th overall pick in the second round of the 2019 WNBA Draft, becoming the first Chinese player drafted into the league in over two decades. At just 19 years old, she was the youngest player in her draft class. People’s Daily
During the 2022 WNBA season, Han Xu made a significant impact, averaging 8.5 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. She led the Liberty with a team-best shooting percentage of 49.3% from the field and 44.4% from beyond the arc. Notably, she set a franchise record for the most consecutive field goals made, achieving a perfect 10-for-10 shooting performance in a game against the Las Vegas Aces. WNBA
🌍 International Career and Championships
Beyond her WNBA career, Han Xu has represented China on the international stage. She has played for the Chinese National Team in multiple FIBA competitions, including the 2016 FIBA Under-17 World Championship for Women, the 2017 FIBA Under-19 Women’s Basketball World Cup, and the 2018 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. Wikipedia
In the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA), Han Xu has achieved considerable success. She was named the WCBA Most Valuable Player in both 2021 and 2022 and has helped lead her team, Sichuan Yuanda Meile, to back-to-back WCBA championships in 2023 and 2024. Wikipedia
📅 2020 Season Absence
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Han Xu was unable to participate in the 2020 WNBA season. She remained in China during this period, focusing on her development and international commitments.
2. Bernadett Határ – 6’10”
Bernadett Hatar is a 6-foot-10 (2.08-meter) Hungarian professional basketball player who has played in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and represented Hungary in international competitions.
🏀 WNBA Career Overview
Hatar was signed by the Indiana Fever as a free agent on March 11, 2021. In her debut season, she appeared in seven games, starting two, and averaged 4.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 15.1 minutes per game, shooting over 48% from the field. Her season was cut short due to injury, with her final game on July 3, 2021, against the Connecticut Sun fever.wnba.com.
In 2023, Hatar played for the Connecticut Sun, contributing to the team’s depth and experience. In 2025, she received a reserved qualifying offer from the Washington Mystics, granting them exclusive negotiating rights for training camp, though the contract is not guaranteed Bullets Forever.
🌍 International Career and Achievements
Hatar has been a key player for the Hungarian National Team. At the 2019 FIBA Women’s EuroBasket, she averaged 12.6 points and 8.0 rebounds per game, ranking 19th in scoring and 6th in rebounding FIBA Basketball.
She has also played in the Hungarian domestic league, where she has been recognized for her contributions to her team’s success.
📅 Career Highlights
- 2021 WNBA Season: Averaged 4.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 15.1 minutes per game for the Indiana Fever.
- 2019 FIBA Women’s EuroBasket: Averaged 12.6 points and 8.0 rebounds per game for the Hungarian National Team.
- 2025 WNBA Season: Received a reserved qualifying offer from the Washington Mystics for training camp.
1. Margo Dydek – 7’2″
Margo Dydek, born Małgorzata Teresa Dydek on April 28, 1974, in Warsaw, Poland, stands as the tallest player ever to compete in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), measuring an impressive 7 feet 2 inches (218 cm) Guinness World Records. Her extraordinary height, combined with her skill set, made her a formidable presence on the court.
🏀 WNBA Career Overview
Dydek was selected as the first overall pick in the 1998 WNBA Draft by the Utah Starzz. Throughout her 11-season career, she played for the Utah Starzz, San Antonio Silver Stars, Connecticut Sun, and Los Angeles Sparks. Over 323 regular-season games, she averaged 10.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game, boasting a field goal percentage of 46.7% RealGM Basketball.
Her defensive prowess was unparalleled; Dydek led the league in blocked shots nine times and remains the WNBA’s all-time leader in that category with 877 career blocks Guinness World Records. She also earned two All-Star selections and was named to the All-Defensive Team twice.
🏆 Legacy and Recognition
Beyond her on-court achievements, Dydek’s impact on the game was profound. Her towering presence challenged perceptions of what women in basketball could accomplish, inspiring countless athletes worldwide. In 2019, she was posthumously inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in women’s basketball Guinness World Records.
📅 Career Highlights
FIBA Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2019.
1998 WNBA Draft: Selected first overall by the Utah Starzz.
2005 WNBA Finals: Helped lead the Connecticut Sun to the championship series.
All-Time WNBA Records: Holds the record for most career blocks (877).
We have seen the top 10 tallest WNBA players ever, ranging from 6 feet 8 inches to a whopping 7 feet 2 inches.
We have learned about their backgrounds, careers, skills, and accolades.
We have also discovered how their height has helped them dominate the paint, block shots, and rebound, but also how it has challenged them with mobility, agility, and endurance.
These players are not only remarkable for their physical stature, but also for their contributions to the game of basketball and the advancement of women’s sports. They have inspired many young girls and boys to pursue their dreams, regardless of their size or gender.