BREAKING: Chinese sensation commits to Geelong

The Geelong Venom announced a recruiting coup on Tuesday, confirming the commitment of Chinese superstar Han Xu for the WNBL27 Season, pending League approval.

Han returns for a second season in the WNBL, after a memorable debut season in 2025-26, where she guided Perth to the Grand Final and was named both Defensive Player of the Year and a member of the All-WNBL Second Team.

The 211-centimetre star, who is currently playing with the New York Liberty in the WNBA, averaged 16.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.2 blocks across her 18 games for the Lynx last season.

Venom head coach Cheryl Chambers said that Han is one of the most dominant post players in the world right now, and that the organisation was thrilled about the roster addition.

“She's a WNBA veteran, a multiple-time WCBA MVP, and reigning WNBL Defensive Player of the Year - her shot-blocking and rebounding are genuinely elite,” Chambers said.

“Adding that size and experience to our roster gives this team a real edge, and we can't wait to see what she brings to the club this year.”

Drafted 14th overall by the New York Liberty in 2019 as the youngest player in her class, Han has gone on to become a three-time WCBA MVP, a two-time WCBA champion, and a WNBA Commissioner's Cup winner.

On the international stage, she helped China to a silver medal at the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, earning a place in the tournament's All-Star Five, before being named MVP of the 2023 FIBA Women's Asia Cup.

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Han is excited to bring all this experience to Geelong next season.

“I've played against Australian teams before, including a season with Perth, and I know how passionate this League's fans are and how much the competition has grown,” Han said.

“I'm looking forward to bringing everything I've built over my career, from China to the WNBA, into this team, and pushing for something special with my new teammates this year.”

Han joins a revamped Venom roster that also includes Maddy Rocci, Alex Sharp, Bec Cole, Mackenzie Clinch Hoycard, Dakota Cricton, Lilly Rotunno and Indiah Bowyer, who have all committed to the club.