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Jul
Breaking News
Xu and Zhang add 'Venom' to Geelong's WNBL26 title chase
New York Liberty centre Han Xu (#21) gives the thumbs up before the WNBA game against the Chicago Sky at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on July 23, 2026. Photo: David L. Nemec/NBAE via Getty Images
Chinese stars Han Xu and Wanglai Zhang sign with Geelong Venom for WNBL27 season
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WNBL26 Defensive Player of the Year and New York Liberty back-up centre Han Xu has just changed the landscape of the entire 2026-27 season, signing with Geelong Venom on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
Just minutes later, the Venom also revealed it had also signed 32-year-old Chinese star guard Wanglai Zhang.
Xu, 26, anchored Perth Lynx’s run to the WNBL26 championship series before earning a roster spot with the Liberty for the 2026 WNBA season.
“She's a WNBA veteran, a multiple-time WCBA MVP, and reigning WNBL Defensive Player of the Year - her shot-blocking and rebounding are genuinely elite,” Venom head coach Cheryl Chambers said.
“Adding that size and experience to our roster gives this team a real edge, and we can't wait to see what she brings to the club this year.”
The 2.11m international star put up elite numbers in WNBL26: 16.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in 18 games.
“I've played against Australian teams before, including a season with Perth, and I know how passionate this League's fans are and how much the competition has grown,” Han said.
“I'm looking forward to bringing everything I've built over my career, from China to the WNBA, into this team, and pushing for something special with my new teammates this year.”
Zhang, a decorated 3x3 veteran 1.75m guard, adds depth to the Venom backcourt as they try to make the WNBL playoffs for the first time under its new moniker.
“I'm really looking forward to soaking up the basketball vibe in Geelong – such a big sports town,” Zhang said.
“A huge thanks to all my fans for sticking with me.
“[I have] no idea what's ahead, but I'm going to keep loving the game and take it one step at a time.
“I can't wait to get settled in, learn the system, and go to battle with my new teammates.”
Xu’s ability to impact both sides of the ball automatically puts Geelong into the playoffs conversation.
In her first five games for the Lynx last season, she led Perth to a 5-0 record, turning a team with a negative scoring margin (-3.6 points per game) into the league's most dominant side (+22.2 points per game) – a remarkable 25.8-point swing.
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