STWF Sports | ARLINGTON, Texas | April 8, 2026  — The Dallas Wings continued to solidify their roster ahead of the 2026 campaign, announcing Wednesday that center Li Yueru and guard Grace Berger have accepted qualifying offers to remain with the franchise.

The moves provide continuity for a Wings team navigating offseason changes while maintaining a focus on depth, versatility and player development entering a pivotal season.

Frontcourt Stability with Yueru

Yueru’s return offers Dallas a reliable presence in the paint, particularly after she showed steady growth following her midseason arrival in 2025. Acquired in a June trade from the Seattle Storm, the 6-foot-7 center quickly carved out a role in the rotation.

Yueru appeared in 22 games with 12 starts for Dallas, averaging 7.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per contest. Her ability to impact both ends of the floor—particularly on the glass—provided the Wings with added size and interior balance.

One of her most notable performances came on August 12, when she recorded a career-high 20 points in a narrow win over the Indiana Fever. That outing highlighted her offensive upside, which was further evident during a stretch in July when she scored in double figures in three consecutive games for the first time in her career.

Despite missing the final 10 games of the season due to injury, Yueru’s overall production marked a step forward. Across 31 total appearances in 2025, she posted career highs in points, rebounds and assists while also demonstrating improved range, shooting 36.4 percent from beyond the arc.

Her return gives Dallas a versatile frontcourt option capable of contributing both inside and on the perimeter—an increasingly valuable skill set in the modern WNBA.

Berger Provides Backcourt Versatility

Berger’s re-signing reinforces depth in the backcourt and preserves a player who proved capable of stepping into multiple roles last season.

Initially joining the Wings on a seven-day hardship contract in July, Berger quickly earned a rest-of-season deal and became a consistent contributor. She appeared in 18 games for Dallas, starting 13, and averaged 3.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists.

While her scoring numbers were modest, Berger’s impact extended beyond the stat sheet. She provided playmaking, defensive effort and positional flexibility, often serving as a stabilizing presence in lineups dealing with injuries.

The former seventh overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft also recorded several career-best performances during the season. She set single-game highs in rebounds, assists, steals and blocks, demonstrating her ability to affect the game in multiple areas.

Berger’s development trajectory makes her a valuable piece for Dallas, particularly as the team continues to build a balanced roster around its core.

Building Toward 2026

The decision to retain both Yueru and Berger reflects a broader organizational approach centered on continuity and internal growth.

Following an offseason that included roster movement and strategic decisions tied to expansion and free agency, the Wings are prioritizing players who understand the system and have already demonstrated the ability to contribute.

Both Yueru and Berger fit that profile. Each player stepped into meaningful roles during the 2025 season and showed the potential to expand their impact moving forward.

Depth and Flexibility Key for Dallas

As the Wings prepare for the upcoming season, depth will remain a critical factor. The WNBA’s demanding schedule and evolving style of play require teams to rely on versatile contributors who can adapt to different roles.

Yueru’s presence strengthens the frontcourt rotation, while Berger adds flexibility to the guard lineup. Together, they provide Dallas with options that can be deployed based on matchups and in-game adjustments.

Looking Ahead

With training camp approaching and the regular season on the horizon, Dallas continues to shape a roster designed to compete while maintaining long-term growth.

The retention of Yueru and Berger may not dominate headlines, but it represents an important step in building stability and continuity within the organization.

For the Wings, success in 2026 will depend not only on star power but also on the contributions of players who can step up in key moments. By bringing back two proven contributors, Dallas has taken another step toward assembling a roster capable of meeting that challenge.