Flyers add two-time Olympian to roster

The Southside Melbourne Flyers announced on Thursday that Chinese National Women’s Basketball Team guard Wang Siyu, known to fans around the world as “Rainy”, has committed to the club for the 2026/27 WNBL season, pending League review and approval.

One of Asia’s premier basketball talents, Wang had become a key member of the Chinese National Team, helping her country win silver at the 2022 World Cup, while competing at both the 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games.

Wang explained that she was excited to begin the next chapter of her career in Melbourne, having already spent time with the Flyers earlier this year. She believes the league’s physicality and fast-paced style of play provide the ideal environment to continue developing her game as she pursues her WNBA ambitions.

“I’m very excited to join the Southside Melbourne Flyers and compete in the WNBL,” Wang said.

“I’ve heard wonderful things about Melbourne, the fans and the basketball culture here.

“I can’t wait to meet the community, connect with supporters, help build the connection between basketball and Melbourne’s Chinese community, and help the team compete at the highest level this season.”

Southside Flyers Head Coach Sam Mackinnon said the club was thrilled to welcome Wang to the Flyers and to Melbourne.

“Rainy is an exceptional talent and an outstanding leader,” Mackinnon said.

“Her experience at the highest international level will have an enormous impact on our playing group, but just as importantly, we believe she will have a powerful influence off the court through her connection with fans and the wider community.”

Flyers owner Gerry Ryan believes Wang’s arrival will provide a major boost - not just for the team on and off the court, but for the WNBL, women’s sport more broadly, and Melbourne as a whole.

“Melbourne is one of the world’s great multicultural sporting cities, and we are excited about the opportunities this creates to grow the game, inspire young athletes, enhance community engagement and connect the Flyers and the WNBL with new and diverse audiences,” Ryan said.

Wang, who is set to compete at the 2026 FIBA World Cup in September, joins a Flyers roster that features Saffron Shiels, Lara Edmanson, Hannah Hank and Haylee Andrews.