Li Yueru Emerges As Prime Target For Expansion Teams In Upcoming WNBA Draft After Strong 2025 Season With Dallas Wings

The WNBA CBA talks are already stretching till the deadline day, with less than two weeks remaining for the conclusion of the extended period. However, the teams are ready with their draft boards, and for the expansion teams, an expansion draft is also forthcoming, even before the first WNBA draft. The top name in the discussion would be the Dallas Wings’ Li Yueru.

The Dallas Wings’ GM, Curt Miller, spoke about losing players in the expansion draft as the team celebrated the lottery draft win. With two new teams entering the league, there are higher chances that many star players will lose their positions in the current franchises, and the Chinese star could be the top pick in the expansion draft.

Dallas Wings Could Lose Li Yueru In Expansion Draft

When the Dallas Wings won the lottery draft, all eyes were on the possible pick from the franchise. However, staying realistic, the team’s GM mentioned that the side must first address the expansion draft before working on the WNBA draft. While GM Curt Miller confirmed Arike Ogunbowale’s free agency status ahead of the 2026 WNBA season, he expects to lose some key pieces in the expansion draft.  

As per Clutch Points contributor Jess Koffie, a prime star Wings could lose would be Li Yueru. In his analysis, he wrote, “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.”

Li Yueru tonight 🔥

• 20 points
• 4 rebounds
• 2 steals
• 7/14 FGpic.twitter.com/K9fljj0KDW

— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) August 13, 2025

“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,” Koffie added.

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While the attributes mentioned and analysis put forward highlight the possible departure of the 26-year-old star, the Wings will have to be smart in working with their picks and rights to protect the players in the expansion draft. As for the 2019 rookie, the Tempo side would be a perfect opportunity to enhance her skill sets.

Li Yueru Could Thrive Under Sandy Brondello

Toronto Tempo has been making news with its shrewd decisions, and the signing of Sandy Brondello is one of them. If the side does land the 6-foot-7 forward from the Wings, the player would benefit from Brondello’s forward-focused tactics. The coach guided both Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart to an elite level (even though they were already top players), and could help the former Storm player reach that level.

While at the Texas team, the focus was mainly on Bueckers; however, the forward still managed to improve her statistics to 7.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Now with the Brondello’s system, the player would improve on those numbers, even coming off the bench.