Chicago Sky activate China’s Li Yueru, release Anneli Maley

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.

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.