Chinese Center Li Agrees to Qualifying Offer with Dallas Wings

Li Yueru will return to the WNBA team for the 2026 season.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:35am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game broken down into overlapping planes of navy, green, and orange, conveying the dynamic energy of the sport.The Dallas Wings' roster continues to take shape as the team retains rising Chinese center Li Yueru for the 2026 WNBA season.Seattle Today

The Dallas Wings have announced that Chinese center Li Yueru has accepted a qualifying offer to remain with the WNBA team for the 2026 season. Li, who has played for both the Wings and the Seattle Storm, averaged 6.0 points and 4.5 rebounds in the 2025 season and posted a career-high 20 points for the Wings.

Why it matters

Li's return to the Wings is significant as the team looks to build on its recent success and continue developing young international talent. As one of the few Chinese players in the WNBA, Li's continued presence helps grow the league's global reach and appeal.

The details

The 23-year-old Li Yueru has spent the last three seasons in the WNBA, splitting time between the Dallas Wings and the Seattle Storm. In the 2025 season, she averaged 6.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, and set a new career-high with 20 points in a Wings game.

  • Li Yueru has played in the WNBA since 2023.
  • In the 2025 season, Li averaged 6.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.
  • Li set a new career-high of 20 points in a game for the Dallas Wings in 2025.

The players

Li Yueru

A 23-year-old Chinese center who has played in the WNBA since 2023, splitting time between the Dallas Wings and Seattle Storm.

Dallas Wings

A WNBA team based in Arlington, Texas that Li Yueru has played for since 2023.

Seattle Storm

A WNBA team based in Seattle, Washington that Li Yueru has also played for since 2023.

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What’s next

Li Yueru will join the Dallas Wings for the start of the 2026 WNBA season.

The takeaway

Li Yueru's decision to return to the Dallas Wings on a qualifying offer demonstrates the team's commitment to developing international talent and the player's own desire to continue growing her WNBA career in Dallas.