League reveals bold plan to push into Asian market

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The WNBL has boldly declared its intent to take on Super Netball and the women’s footy codes with a fearless plan to expand into the world’s second-largest economy and the near-five billion people who drive it, writes Michael Randall from Code Sports.

Headlined by unstoppable giant Han Xu, four of China’s best players will suit up in WNBL27 — but that’s just the tip of the iceberg as the league explores a bombshell rule amendment set to open the door to an Asian invasion — and turbocharge its next broadcast rights negotiations.

Code Sports can reveal, on the eve of the 2026-27 season tip-off, the WNBL is planning — as soon as 2027-28 — to declassify players from countries in FIBA’s Asian region to allow them to join the Australian league as locals.

This season, Xu, Geelong teammate Zhang Wanglai, Southside Melbourne’s Wang Siyu and Sydney Flame Yang Shuyu occupy import slots with their respective teams.

It’s understood, based on the strength of that quartet’s massive popularity in their home country, the league is closing in on a broadcast deal that will provide access to more than 800 million people across Asia.

The league has identified the Asian market as a massive growth opportunity and the rule change is geared at maximising the near-5 billion people who are part of the second-largest economy on the planet.

The change, once adopted, would open the door for more Asian players, particularly from the region’s traditional basketball powerhouses China, Japan and South Korea.

WNBL boss Justin Nelson confirmed to Code Sports the league was in talks with the ABPA to adopt the rule change — and took a shot at the AFLW, NRLW and Super Netball in the process, saying those competitions could not match the global reach at the fingertips of the WNBL.

“It’s time for the WNBL to shake things up, it’s our time to shine, to be number one, and Asia will help us do that,” Nelson said.

“No disrespect to Super Netball, the AFLW or NRLW, but a potential audience of 4.9 billion people watching Asian players playing in the best women’s league in the region will catapult the WNBL to the very top.

“That’s an incredibly exciting prospect for the WNBL, and it is needed."

For the full story on Code Sports Basketball and a full team-by-team WNBL27 season preview, click here.