Han Xu

Han Xu is a Chinese professional basketball center known for her rare combination of size and shooting touch. Standing 6'11", she currently plays for the New York Liberty in the WNBA and has become one of the most recognizable Chinese players in the league. Her ability to stretch the floor as a three-point shooter at her height sets her apart, and she has steadily grown into a reliable rotational piece for the Liberty.

Since being drafted in 2019, Han has split time between the WNBA, China's WCBA, and Australia's WNBL, building a global career that few Chinese players have matched. She helped lead China to the FIBA Women's Asia Cup title in 2023, earning All-Star Five honors, and continues to represent her country on the international stage. Her fans appreciate her calm demeanor and work ethic, and she is seen as a trailblazer for Chinese women's basketball.

As of 2026, Han remains an active member of the Liberty, contributing key minutes off the bench. Her social media presence, with over 35,000 followers on Instagram, reflects her dedication to the sport and her growing international fanbase. [edit]

Han Xu grew up in Shijiazhuang, the capital of Hebei Province in northern China, in a family with strong athletic roots. Her father played basketball professionally, and her mother was also involved in sports, so it was natural for her to pick up a ball at a young age. She started organized basketball as a child and quickly stood out for her height, which would eventually reach 6'11".

Her development took her through China's national team system, where she honed her skills as a post player with an unusual shooting touch. By her late teens, she was already considered one of the top prospects in the country, drawing attention from WNBA scouts. In 2019, she entered the WNBA Draft and was selected 14th overall by the New York Liberty, making history as one of the few Chinese players to make the jump to the American league.

Before her WNBA debut, Han had already played for the Xinjiang Magic Deer in the WCBA, where she showcased her potential. Her early career was marked by balancing domestic duties with international opportunities, a pattern that would continue throughout her professional journey. [edit]

Han Xu's WNBA career began in 2019 when she was drafted 14th overall by the New York Liberty. She made her debut that same year, becoming one of the few Chinese players to compete in the league. In her rookie season, she showed flashes of her potential as a stretch center, but her playing time was limited as she split time with the Chinese national team and the WCBA.

After a few years of shuttling between leagues, Han returned to the Liberty in 2023 with a more prominent role. That season, she made history by becoming the first player listed at 6'8" or taller in WNBA history to reach 25 career three-pointers, a testament to her unique skill set. She also starred for China at the FIBA Women's Asia Cup, leading the team to a title and earning a spot on the All-Star Five.

In 2025, Han took her talents to Australia's WNBL, playing for the Geelong Supercats, where she helped build what Chinese media called a "dynasty." She returned to the Liberty for the 2026 season, signing a training camp contract. On August 3, 2026, she reached 500 career WNBA points during a 94-92 road win over the Phoenix Mercury, scoring 17 points off the bench. Her continued development has made her a valuable piece for the Liberty as they push for a championship. [edit]

Han Xu is widely seen as a pioneer for Chinese players in the WNBA, boasting a rare mix of height and shooting ability that draws comparisons to some of the league's best bigs. Her playing style is often described as "calm, cool, cash," a phrase used by the WNBA's official social media to highlight her step-back three-pointer that beat the shot clock. She is considered a key figure for the future of Chinese women's basketball, with expectations high for her impact at the 2028 Olympics. Her fanbase spans both China and the U.S., though she hasn't adopted an official fandom name. On social media, she comes across as humble and hardworking, sharing training videos and game moments rather than personal drama. [edit]

Han Xu's fanbase is a quiet but devoted global network, spanning China, the United States, and Australia, three countries where she has left her mark on the court. There is no official fandom name, no formal club with membership cards; instead, her supporters rally under the simple banner of "Han Xu fans" or "韩旭球迷" (Hán Xù qiúmí). Her Instagram following hovers around 36,000, a modest number that belies her true reach, especially on Chinese platforms like Weibo, where her presence is far larger. The WNBA has taken notice, with The Local W calling her "the fan-favorite center" upon her return to the Liberty. Her cross-continental career, from New York to Geelong, Australia, back to New York, has cultivated three distinct communities, each cheering her milestones, like reaching 500 career WNBA points in August 2026, a moment celebrated by Chinese state media. Yet, there are no documented fan campaigns or coordinated projects; her engagement is more personal, through press conferences, social media posts, and her improved English, which she has worked on to better connect with international fans.

As of August 2026, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated Han Xu, but she does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings, whether in the Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list. Her fame, while significant within basketball circles and across three nations, has not yet translated into a formal rank, a status that could change as her career continues to ascend.[edit]

Han Xu's Instagram handle, @hanxu_521, is a nod to her birthday on October 31. She has a step-back three-pointer that has become a signature move, earning praise from the WNBA's social media channels. Despite her height, she is known for her calm and composed demeanor on the court, rarely showing emotion. Han is fluent in both Mandarin and English, which has helped her adapt to playing in the U.S. and Australia. She has expressed a desire to build a lasting legacy in Australia's WNBL, calling it a "dynasty" in Chinese media. Off the court, she enjoys connecting with fans through social media, sharing training clips and game highlights.

In August 2026, a slow-motion video of Caitlin Clark hitting a three-pointer over the 6-foot-11 Han Xu went viral, capturing the striking height disparity and becoming a defining visual of the season. These moments, while not yet legendary, are part of the growing lore surrounding her matchups.[edit]

Han Xu comes from an athletic family. Her father was a professional basketball player, which gave her early exposure to the sport. Her mother was also involved in athletics, though specific details about her career are not widely reported. Growing up as an only child, Han was encouraged to pursue basketball from a young age, and her parents' support was instrumental in her development. She has not publicly shared details about her current household or pets, and her focus remains on her basketball career. Her family's influence is evident in her dedication and work ethic, traits she often credits in interviews. [edit]

Han Xu's most notable teammate is Sabrina Ionescu, who had 27 points and 10 assists in the August 3, 2026 game where Han scored 17 points off the bench. She has also been linked with fellow Chinese player Zhang Xu, with speculation about their potential impact at the 2028 Olympics. Her coaches and teammates in New York have praised her work ethic and adaptability. [edit]

There is no public information about Han Xu's dating history or romantic relationships. She has never been linked to any public partner, and no credible media outlets have reported on her personal life. Her social media presence is exclusively focused on basketball, with no hints of a significant other. As of 2026, Han Xu is presumed single, though she has not made any official statement about her relationship status. [edit]

As of 2026, iFANN's editorial analysis estimates Han Xu's net worth at $5 million. Her primary income comes from her WNBA salary, which, under the league's collective bargaining agreement, ranges from about $100,000 to $250,000 per season for veteran players. She also earns significant money playing in China's WCBA and Australia's WNBL, where international players can command higher salaries. Additionally, Han has endorsement deals with Chinese brands, though specific figures are not publicly disclosed. Her net worth has grown steadily since her debut, thanks to her increasing role with the Liberty and her international stints.[edit]

Han Xu has won the FIBA Women's Asia Cup with the Chinese national team in 2023, earning a spot on the All-Star Five. She has also set a WNBA record as the first player 6'8" or taller to reach 25 career three-pointers. While she hasn't won individual WNBA awards like MVP or All-Star selections, her international success and unique milestones highlight her impact. [edit]