Li Yueru has been activated to the Chicago Sky’s roster after arriving in the city from China. As a result, the team has released Anneli Maley from her hardship exemption contract.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times’ Annie Costabile, Li was practicing with the team Tuesday morning.
Li Yueru has arrived in Chicago and is at Sky practice this AM.
— Annie Costabile (@AnnieCostabile) May 24, 2022
In April, Costabile had reported that Li had not yet been approved to play in the WNBA by the Chinese Basketball Federation, throwing a wrench into the Sky’s plans. The team acquired her rights from Los Angeles in a trade this offseason and then signed her to a rookie-scale contract.
At the time, head coach James Wade called the situation “fluid,” while Li’s agent, Mike Cound, said that she “definitely wants to come to Chicago.”
Li now joins the Sky, although it’s unknown when she will make her game debut. She could make an immediate impact, as she averaged 14.8 points and 8.3 rebounds for China in the Tokyo Olympics.
The Sky are currently off to a 3-2 start, with Finals MVP Kahleah Copper making her return just one game ago against the Washington Mystics.
The Sky square off against the Indiana Fever at 8 p.m. ET Tuesday. Before the game, they will hold a ring ceremony and banner unveiling in honor of their 2021 WNBA championship.
Chinese basketball player Li Yueru may not play in the upcoming WNBA season, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
China Sports Vision is reporting that Li has not been permitted to play in the WNBA by the Chinese Basketball Federation, according to the Sun-Times. Li’s agent, Mike Cound, has not received confirmation of the accuracy of the reports.
The last conversation between Cound, Li and Sky head coach and general manager James Wade happened about 10 days ago and, according to Cound, Li was excited to arrive in Chicago.
“Yueru definitely wants to come to Chicago right now,” Cound said.
But Wade called the situation “fluid.”
“The most important thing is getting Li here with [the Chinese Basketball Federation’s] blessing, knowing that we’re going to add to her growth as a basketball player that represents China,” he said.
Li’s rights were traded to the Sky by Los Angeles in exchange for Lexie Brown. From there, the Sky signed her to a rookie-scale contract.
Training camp begins Sunday, but according to the Sun-Times, the soonest Li could arrive in the United States is next month, if she has the approval of the basketball federation.