Los Angeles Sparks signs Yang Liwei

BEIJING - The Los Angeles Sparks announced on Monday that they have officially signed a contract with Chinese guard Yang Liwei.

Following Han Xu's re-signing with the New York Liberty, Yang became the second Chinese national team player to join a WNBA team in the upcoming season.

"I am very happy to have the opportunity to join the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA. Thank you for everyone's efforts and support, helping me to realize my dreams," said Yang.

"Los Angeles is a city with a rich basketball culture and a long basketball history. I believe that I can have the opportunity to learn from and compete with more outstanding players there, and better prepare for the Asian Games and Olympic Games," she added.

Born in 1995, Yang, with 1.76 meters tall, plays as a point guard. She currently plays for the Women's Chinese Basketball Association's Inner Mongolia team, and this is her 10th season in the WCBA.

In the 2022 Women's FIBA World Cup, China's captain Yang averaged 9.3 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, helping the national team win the runner-up.

The Los Angeles Sparks has won the WNBA championship three times, in 2001, 2002 and 2016. Chinese women's basketball legend Zheng Haixia played for the Sparks in the 1997-1998 seasons.

The Sparks struggled in the last regular season with 13 wins and 23 losses, ranking 11th and missing the playoffs. The team that lack of guards was impressed with Yang's playing style.