Yao Ming Biography: Age, Net Worth, Wife, Awards, Height, Children, Social Media

Yao Ming is a distinguished Chinese basketball executive and former professional player.

He played for the Shanghai Sharks in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and the Houston Rockets in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Selected as the first overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft, Yao was an eight-time NBA All-Star and a five-time All-NBA Team honoree.

He retired from professional basketball in 2011 due to injuries and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.

Additionally, Yao served as the president of the Chinese Basketball Association until his recent resignation.

Profile

• Full Name: Yao Ming
• Stage Name: Yao Ming
• Born: September 12, 1980
• Age: 44 years old
• Birthplace: Shanghai, China
• Nationality: Chinese
• Occupation: Chinese basketball executive and former professional player
• Height: 2.29 m
• Parents: Fang Fengdi, Yao Zhiyuan
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Ye Li (m. 2007)
• Children: Yao Qinlei
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $160 million and $180 million,

Early Life And Education

Yao Ming was born in Shanghai, China, on September 12, 1980, to parents Yao Zhiyuan and Fang Fengdi, former professional basketball players. As an only child, Yao grew up in a family deeply rooted in the sport.

In 2011, he enrolled at the Antai College of Economics and Management at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, where he pursued a degree in economics, graduating in 2018. Yao is of Han Chinese ethnicity, and his religious beliefs are not publicly disclosed.

Career

Yao Ming’s basketball career began at the age of 13 when he joined the Shanghai Sharks’ junior team.

After four years, he earned a place on the senior team through dedication and rigorous training, often practicing up to ten hours a day. In his rookie season, Yao made an immediate impact, averaging 10 points and eight rebounds per game.

Despite facing physical challenges, including a broken foot that limited his jumping ability, he continued to improve, showcasing his determination and skill on the court.

During his final year with the Shanghai Sharks, Yao led the team to its first Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) championship.

His extraordinary performance in the playoffs, where he averaged 38.9 points and 20.2 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 76.6% from the field, earned him the 2002 CBA Finals MVP award.

This outstanding achievement marked the pinnacle of his career in China and set the stage for his highly anticipated move to the NBA.

In 2002, Yao was selected by the Houston Rockets as the first overall pick in the NBA draft, a groundbreaking moment for both Yao and the sport. As the first international player to be drafted first overall without playing college basketball in the United States, Yao’s selection highlighted his immense talent and potential.

Over the next eight seasons, Yao became dominant in the NBA, earning eight All-Star appearances and five All-NBA Team selections.

His NBA career, however, was plagued by injuries, particularly to his feet and ankles, which ultimately led to his retirement in 2011.

Despite these setbacks, Yao’s influence on the sport transcended his playing career, as he served as a cultural ambassador, bridging the gap between China and the United States and helping to popularize the NBA in China.

He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest players.

Following his retirement, Yao continued to shape the future of basketball, taking on leadership roles that extended beyond his playing days.

He became the president of the Chinese Basketball Association president and owned the Shanghai Sharks, where he used his experience and influence to foster the sport’s growth in China.

Yao’s impact on basketball in China and globally continues to be felt today, as he remains one of the most influential figures in basketball.

Awards and Nominations

• 8× NBA All-Star (2003–2009, 2011)
• 2× All-NBA Second Team (2007, 2009)
• 3× All-NBA Third Team (2004, 2006, 2008)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2003)
• No. 11 retired by Houston Rockets
• CBA MVP (2001)
• CBA champion (2002)
• CBA Finals MVP (2001)
• 3× CBA rebounding leader (2000–2002)
• 3× CBA blocks leader (2000–2002)
• 3× FIBA Asia Cup MVP (2001, 2003, 2005)

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @yao

Personal Life

Yao Ming is married to Ye Li, a former Chinese women’s basketball player whom he met at a training camp in Shanghai when he was 17.

The couple tied the knot on August 6, 2007, in a private ceremony at the Shangri-La Hotel in Shanghai.

They have one daughter, Yao Qinlei, born on May 21, 2010, in Houston, Texas, who is also known by her English name, Amy.

Net Worth

Yao Ming’s net worth is estimated to be between $160 million and $180 million.

It is earned through his successful basketball career with the Shanghai Sharks and the Houston Rockets and high-profile endorsement deals with companies like McDonald’s, Visa, Garmin, Reebok, and Apple.

In addition to his athletic earnings, Yao has also invested in various business ventures, including restaurants and a wine company, further contributing to his wealth.