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Dallas Wings center Li Yueru could be targeted in WNBA expansion draft

Li Yueru spent the 2025 WNBA season with the Dallas Wings, but she could play elsewhere in 2026.

Jeremy Brener

Li Yueru during the game between the Dallas Wings and the New York Liberty.
Li Yueru during the game between the Dallas Wings and the New York Liberty. / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Dallas Wings are preparing to go into next season without Li Yueru on the roster.

Li faces an uncertain future in the league with free agency and the impending expansion draft, where the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo will build their initial rosters. Clutch Points contributor Jess Koffie believes Yueru will be chosen by the Tempo with the No. 16 overall pick in the expansion draft.

"Li Yueru adds a distinct skill set to Toronto’s frontcourt: international experience combined with polished interior scoring. She offers reliable rebounding, strong finishing near the rim, and the ability to operate as a complementary post alongside Stevens or Sabally. Her size alone impacts shot selection for opponents, while her footwork and soft touch allow Toronto to diversify offensive sets in the paint," Koffie wrote.

"Defensively, Li provides rim protection and positional awareness, allowing the Tempo to implement switches or double teams without compromising the interior. Her presence adds depth and flexibility, letting Toronto rotate bigs to manage fatigue or target specific matchups. Li’s selection highlights Toronto’s focus on blending physicality, technique, and international experience."

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Li Yueru in action during the game between the Dallas Wings and the New York Liberty
Li Yueru in action during the game between the Dallas Wings and the New York Liberty. / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Li could be flying away from Wings

Li, 26, played in 22 games for the Wings in the 2025 campaign, averaging 7.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, marking the best stretch of her WNBA career.

Li is one of the more intriguing centers in the league as a 6-7 big that has one of the largest wingspans in the league. She proved in her stint with the Wings that she can improve and her trajectory could continue if she's placed in the right spot to develop.

An expansion team could be the perfect environment for Li to hone her craft and realize her full potential as a player in the league.

The WNBA season is scheduled to begin in May 2026.

READ MORE: How Wings star Paige Bueckers had one of the most iconic moments in women's sports

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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