Dallas Wings center Li Yueru palms a Wilson basketball in Under Armour apparel on an outdoor court.

Dallas Wings center Li Yueru, No. 28, controls a Wilson basketball on an outdoor court in Under Armour training apparel. Li signed with the brand on July 30, 2026, becoming the first female Chinese professional basketball athlete on the Under Armour roster. (Photo by Under Armour)

Dallas Wings Center Li Yueru Signs Endorsement Deal With Under Armour

Grant AfsethJuly 30, 2026July 30, 2026

DSJ Quick Take: Li Yueru Signs With Under Armour

Under Armour announced Thursday it has signed Dallas Wings center Li Yueru, making her the first female Chinese professional basketball athlete on the brand’s roster. Terms were not disclosed.

What did Under Armour announce? A partnership with Li Yueru covering brand initiatives in China and globally, with a stated focus on youth basketball development, women’s sports, and community engagement.
Why is this a first for the brand? Yueru is the first female Chinese professional basketball athlete Under Armour has signed, and the company pointed to her 2022 FIBA World Cup silver medal and 19th Asian Games title in announcing the deal.
Where does she fit in Dallas? Yueru is averaging 3.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.5 assists in 10.0 minutes across 20 games without a start, down from 7.4 points and 5.8 rebounds in 20.0 minutes over 22 games last season.
What’s next? Dallas is 18-10 and plays at the Washington Mystics on Friday, July 31, at 6:30 p.m. CT at CareFirst Arena, airing on ION.

ARLINGTON, Texas — Li Yueru has signed with Under Armour, the brand announced Thursday morning, making the Dallas Wings center the first female Chinese professional basketball athlete on its roster.

Under Armour said Yueru will work across brand initiatives in China and globally, with the partnership centered on youth basketball development, the advancement of women’s sports, and community engagement. The company listed her silver medal at the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup and her championship at the 19th Asian Games among her career highlights, along with her time in Europe’s top leagues, the WNBA, and Unrivaled.

“Joining Under Armour marks an exciting new chapter in my career,” Yueru said in the announcement. “Basketball has always been a source of joy, passion and motivation. Whether representing my country or competing in the WNBA, I’m constantly striving to improve and challenge myself at the highest level. Under Armour’s commitment to performance and its belief in the joy of sport closely align with my own values as an athlete. I’m excited to partner with the brand to inspire young players and help more people experience the power of basketball.”

Li Yueru’s Path to Dallas

The Atlanta Dream drafted Yueru in the third round, 35th overall, in 2019. She stayed in China and never joined the team. Her professional career began in 2015 with the Guangdong Dolphins of the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association, and she later spent three seasons with Inner Mongolia.

Yueru made her WNBA debut in 2022 with the Chicago Sky, appearing in 16 games. She did not play in the league in 2023. She signed with the Los Angeles Sparks for 2024 and played 38 games, averaging 5.1 points and 3.7 rebounds in 14.4 minutes.

A three-team trade in February 2025 sent Yueru to the Seattle Storm. She played nine games there and averaged 8.7 minutes. Dallas acquired her on June 14 for a 2026 second-round pick, which carried swap rights with the Connecticut Sun, and a 2027 third-round pick, which carried swap rights with the Indiana Fever.

Yueru started 12 of her 22 games for Dallas in 2025 and averaged 7.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 20.0 minutes. Her season ended Aug. 15 with a left knee injury sustained against the Sparks.

She played the offseason with Mist BC in Unrivaled. Mist beat Phantom 80-74 on March 4 in Medley, Florida, for the 2026 title.

What Li Yueru Has Done in 2026

Yueru re-signed with Dallas in free agency on April 8. Through 20 games this season, the 6-foot-7 center is averaging 3.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.5 assists in 10.0 minutes. She is shooting 41.7% from the field, 23.1% from three, and 69.7% from the free-throw line. She has not started a game.

Her high came July 12 against Chicago. Yueru went 4-of-6 from the field for 10 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in 23 minutes.

Wednesday brought her heaviest workload since. Yueru logged 24 minutes in an 81-82 loss to the Dream at College Park Center and finished with 1 point, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist.

At the Paris Olympics in 2024, Yueru led China with 17.7 points and 11.0 rebounds per game. She wears No. 28 for Dallas.

The Wings are 18-10 and play at the Washington Mystics on Friday. Tip-off is 6:30 p.m. CT at CareFirst Arena, airing on ION.