BEIJING, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese center Han Xu announced Saturday that she has joined Australia's Perth Lynx for the 2025-2026 Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) season.
"I will start a new journey with the Perth Lynx," Han posted on the Weibo social media platform. "Every attempt will make your dream closer. I will go all out to learn and improve."
Standing at 2.05m, Han was selected 14th overall by the New York Liberty in the 2019 Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) Draft, playing three WNBA seasons between 2019 and 2023.
She helped Sichuan win back-to-back titles in the Women's Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA) in 2023 and 2024.
On the international stage, Han represented China in several major tournaments over the past two Olympic cycles, finishing runner-up at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in 2022 and winning titles at the FIBA Women's Asia Cup and the Asian Games in 2023.
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."
Han is expected to join up with the Lynx squad in the early stages of the new WNBL season, following the completion of her duties at China's 15th National Games to be held in November.
The 2025-2026 WNBL season will tip off on October 18, featuring eight teams. The Lynx's season opener will be an away game against the Adelaide Lightning on October 19. ■
