Asian expansion firmly in plans of WNBL and NBL

The WNBL has enjoyed one of its biggest opening rounds in history during the first five games of the 2026-27 season.

From a sell-out debut for Tasmania to a mouthwatering Championship Series rematch and a number of other thrillers, Round 1 of the WNBL27 season has had it all.

The amount of talent across the board, both in players and coaches, was a big factor in that.

Another is the excitement and energy being generated by the League’s four Chinese stars.

Southside Melbourne’s Wang Siyu, Sydney’s Yang Shuyu and Geelong’s Wanglai Zhang were all incredible across the Opening Round, with the Venom’s Han Xu, who dominated for Perth last season, set to make her debut this Saturday.

The entire NBL Group, which encompasses both the NBL and WNBL, is actively leaning into its relationships across Asia.

Last week, the WNBL announced a landmark broadcast partnership with YIDA, and now NBL Group CEO Dave Stevenson has outlined plans for both Leagues to explore expansion across Asia.

“It [the Chinese players in the WNBL] certainly does [open other doors],” Stevenson said to ABC Grandstand.

“We’ve had a number of our teams historically go and play games in China.

“The Perth Wildcats are doing a similar series with Japan, and we’ve signed an MOU with the Japanese B.League.

“We’ve had Filipino and Chinese players come out in the men’s NBL as well, so we have such a great appetite to grow in Asia.

“Whether or not that’s games being played over there, viewers, or commercial partners, [there are a few options for how it could] look ultimately down the track.

“It would be pretty amazing to have a team or two out of Asia, so we’re more excited about Asia than we’ve been in our history.”

These comments come after WNBL Chief Operating Officer Justin Nelson explained how exciting a time it is for the code, as the regions continue to strengthen their relationship.

“I’m not sure any sports league in Australia, women or men, can attract and integrate Asian players as well as the WNBL can,” Nelson said.

“Basketball is massive in Asia, as it is here in Australia, and the WNBL is perfectly positioned to bring those fans together.”

Read more >> Japanese visit just the start of WNBL’s Asian push

Nelson added that the League is planning rule changes to accommodate even more Asian players in the WNBL from potentially as early as next season.

“We would like to see at least one unrestricted FIBA Asia player on every WNBL roster next season, and talks are underway with key stakeholders to make that happen,” he added.

“We have been welcoming New Zealand players without restriction into the WNBL for decades, and the time has arrived to now do the same with players from other parts of the FIBA Asia region.

“Make no mistake, Asia is the WNBL’s new frontier.”

The Opening Round of the WNBL continues on Tuesday as Adelaide hosts Townsville, while Round 6 of Hungry Jack’s NBL27 tips off on Wednesday with Tasmania playing Brisbane.

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