China's women's basketball team is gearing up for a high-stakes 2026 season with a 19-player roster announced Monday, blending WNBA stars and rising talents. Overseas-based centers Li Yueru (Dallas Wings) and Han Xu (ex-Perth Lynx) headline the squad, bringing global experience to the court. 🏆
The team, which secured World Cup qualification last month, includes standout performers like Yang Shuyu and 2.07-meter phenom Zhang Ziyu. With back-to-back tournaments this September – the FIBA World Cup in Berlin and Asian Games in Japan – coach Gong Luming called this a "golden era" for Chinese basketball.
"We're strategically building for both immediate challenges and the 2028 Olympics," said Gong, noting the squad's mix of overseas pros and college athletes. The team will train in Beijing starting this month before international friendlies in Australia and Europe. 🌏✈️
Basketball fans worldwide are eyeing China's progress as they aim to improve their 2022 World Cup silver medal finish. Will this new-gen squad dunk its way to glory? 🏀💥
