Perth make a huge addition for WNBL26

The Perth Lynx have gained a huge addition, signing 6’11” (210cm) Han Xu for the WNBL26 season. 

The 25-year-old Chinese superstar will be recognisable to many WNBL fans, having been a driving force behind China’s success in multiple campaigns against the Opals.

As a two-time Olympian (2024 Paris, 2020 Tokyo) and a silver medallist in the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Sydney – Xu is one of China’s most accomplished players. 

Xu’s dominance on the world stage has been exceptional, collecting gold, silver and bronze medals in the 2021, 2023 and 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cups respectively. More recently, she earned a spot in the 2025 All-Star Five alongside Steph Reid and Townsville Fire’s Alex Fowler. 

Drafted 14th overall by the New York Liberty in 2019 Xu spent the next three years with the Liberty and was a key piece in their 2023 Commissioner’s Cup Championship win.

Xu has spent the past two seasons in China, playing for Sichuan in the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA). She is a two-time MVP (2021, 2022) and a two-time Champion, winning back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024. 

Playing in her first season Down Under, Xu is ready to make a major impact on the historically successful Lynx. 

“I’m excited to join the Perth Lynx and play in Australia,” Xu said. “I want to help the team win, and can’t wait to meet the players, coaches and fans.”

Lynx head coach, Ryan Petrik, said Han’s signing was a game-changer for the club.

“Han is a world-class talent and a true marquee signing for us,” Petrik said. “Her size, skill and experience at the highest levels of the game will make a huge impact. We’re thrilled to welcome her to Perth and can’t wait to see her in red.”

Xu will join up with the Lynx squad in the early stages of the WNBL26 season, following the completion of her duties in the Chinese National Games. The Lynx stated a talented temporary replacement player to bridge the gap will be announced shortly.

Xu joins Amy Atwell, Alex Ciabattoni, Alira Fotu, Steph Gorman, Tegan Graham, Anneli Maley, Yemiyah Morris, Kiara Waite and Ally Wilson for WNBL26. 

The Lynx’s season starts on October 19th against the Adelaide Lightning. Watch every game live and free via 9Now, WNBL.com.au or the WNBL App.