WNBL explores rule change to expand Asian player recruitment

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 01:09 · Archive

Australia's WNBL is considering new eligibility rules to allow more Asian players in the competition.

Australia's WNBL is exploring a rule change similar to one in the NBL that would allow clubs to sign a restricted player from Asia alongside their existing international imports. The proposal comes after the league's recent success with Asian players, notably Han Xu, whose arrival last season drove a surge in crowds and viewership. This season, three new Chinese players have joined the competition, with guard Yang Shuyu generating particular support in Sydney from the Australian-Chinese community.

WNBL chief operating officer Justin Nelson said in a statement that the league sees an opportunity to become Australia's biggest women's tournament. 'The WNBL is currently exploring an opportunity to bring in a rule similar to that in the NBL which allows clubs to sign a restricted player from Asia, in addition to international imports,' he said. 'With the immense popularity of basketball in Asia, we believe the WNBL has an unfair advantage over Super Netball, AFLW and NRLW, and we intend to maximise that advantage fully.'

Nelson added that expanding the talent base would benefit Australian players. 'Exposing the WNBL to a wider talent base will also ensure our Aussie stars are thriving because iron sharpens iron.' The WNBL competes for audiences with European tournaments, the 3v3 league Unrivaled and Project B, as well as national teams from Japan, South Korea and China, all ranked in the world's top 15 women's basketball nations.

WNBL explores rule change to expand Asian player recruitment — Image: The West Australian

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How it is being reported

WNBL eye rule change amid Asian 'advantage' and successAustralia's domestic basketball competition is looking to alter teams' eligibility criteria as it aims to capitalise on the Asian market.The West Australian · 30 Oct, 00:50
WNBL eye rule change amid Asian 'advantage' and successAustralia's domestic basketball competition is looking to alter teams' eligibility criteria as it aims to capitalise on the Asian market.Perth Now · 30 Oct, 00:50

In this story: WNBL · Han Xu · Yang Shuyu · Justin Nelson · China · Australia · Asia

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