The signing of Chinese center Han Xu by the Perth Lynx has initially sparked excitement for her global talent. After missing the first eight games of the WNBL season due to prior commitments in China, she joined the team when they had a record of five wins and three losses. Remarkably, since her participation, the Lynx have remarkably turned their season around, winning 15 of 17 matches and advancing to the grand finals, where they hope to break a 34-year championship drought.

Han Xu's influence has transcended her performance on the court, as her presence has drawn significant attention from the Chinese community in Australia. Perth Lynx general manager Chris Earle noted that the team's demographic has broadened thanks to her involvement, evidenced by the sale of 600 tickets to her debut game targeting the local Chinese community. Furthermore, the Lynx's membership has surged by 60% compared to the previous year, and attendance at games has also doubled, underscoring her remarkable impact.

As the Lynx approach the grand finals, Xu’s popularity highlights the importance of international talent in not only enhancing team performance but also boosting local sports engagement and community support. This case illustrates how attracting global players can lead to greater diversity within sports audiences, potentially transforming the landscape of women's basketball in Australia and beyond.