Han Xu Effect: One Superstar Reshaping the WNBL

But while Xu’s numbers leap off the stat sheet, her impact stretches far beyond the hardwood.

Across Western Australia and around the league, her presence has translated into unprecedented engagement. The Perth Lynx have recorded historic growth in crowd attendance, including their largest-ever crowd of 5,030 on January 15, alongside a 60 per cent surge in membership sales. Since joining the Lynx, Xu's jerseys have accounted for 33 per cent of all the club's jersey sales while at a league-wide level, Xu’s arrival has helped drive a remarkable 53 per cent year-on-year increase in attendance.

Those who share the court with Xu have seen her influence up close.

“It's been incredible having someone of her calibre come into the league and come into our team in particular,” Ally Wilson said.

“I know that me as a point guard, we're in a lot of one-five pick and roll together, so it's awesome to be able to play with a big of that calibre. She can pick and pop, pick and roll and has made my job a lot easier.

“She draws a lot of attention from the other teams, and it opens up opportunities for our other players.

“Then defensively, while she doesn’t get a heap of blocks, her presence is huge for us as it changes so many shots. Plenty of guards drive into the lane, thinking they have a free layup, but then see Han and turn around and dribble out.”

Teammate Amy Atwell, who faced Xu on the world stage at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, echoed those sentiments.

“It's not often that you see bigs that are her size that can shoot the ball, while having that kind of touch around the rim and all over the court,” Atwell said.

“She’s been a complete game-changer for us, and I’ve never played with anyone like her before in my career. As a shooter, she just creates so much space as she draws in so much attention.

“It’s been an absolute joy to work with her on and off the court.”

Xu’s impact extends into the gym and training environment, where her professionalism and standards have set a new benchmark for the Lynx program and the league at large.

“Her training standards, of working hard and being super professional, are definitely an aspect that all of us have learnt from, as it’s encouraged everyone, especially our young players, of the level you need to be at if you want to enjoy the success she has on the court,” Atwell said.

“Her energy has been contagious, and she’s brought a lot to our Lynx program.”

Off the court, Xu has unlocked an entirely new audience for Australian basketball. Her presence has resonated deeply with fans — particularly within the Asian community — creating a level of cultural connection rarely seen in the league before.

“It’s been incredible the number of people that have come out to watch Han and our team,” Wilson said.

“She’s brought in record crowds wherever we’ve gone, while also being very generous with her time to interact with the fans, take photos and sign autographs.

“The diversity of the crowd has been awesome too, as we’ve loved seeing the Asian community, a market that we would not have necessarily tapped into, come out and support Han. I'm a huge believer that you can't be what you can't see from my own cultural background, so it’s for the young athletes to have someone like Han they can aspire to be.”

For Atwell, the long-term significance of Xu’s stint in the WNBL is already becoming clear.

“I've had so many people come up since the signing of Han, wanting to talk to me about the Lynx and basketball,” she said.

“It's been crazy how many people, who probably didn’t know about the WNBL or Lynx, have recognised us.

“The visibility of bringing in one of the world’s best players has been massive for our league has been incredible, and I know it’s only going to make the game even bigger.”

Wilson believes Xu’s success can open the door for more elite Asian and international players to view the WNBL as a premier destination.

“Over my time in the league, I've seen the calibre of players join our league become higher, which raises the standard of competition,” Wilson said.

“For our league to continue to grow, it’s super important we bring in some of the best international players like Han, because each country’s players bring their own flair, which will, in turn, make the game more diverse.

“With her joining our league this season, I believe it’s a great stepping stone for more international superstars to come here and play.

“With more eyeballs on the league, too, it will create greater commercial opportunities for everyone and help grow the league to where we know it can get to.”

Xu and the Perth Lynx return to action against Bendigo at Red Energy Arena on Sunday from 6.30pm AEDT.

You can watch on ESPN and 9Now,and tickets are still available here.