Who Is Yao Ming? Age, Biography and Wiki
Yao Ming was born on September 12, 1980, in Shanghai, China. As of 2025, he is 44 years old. Yao rose to stardom in the world of basketball, becoming the first overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets. His exceptional height of 7 feet 6 inches allowed him to dominate the court and become one of the NBA's most recognizable figures. After retiring from professional basketball in 2011, Yao transitioned into various roles, including being a basketball executive and philanthropist.
| Occupation | Basketball Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 12, 1980 |
| Age | 45 Years |
| Birth Place | N/A |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country |
Popularity
Yao Ming's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Yao Ming boasts impressive physical stats:
- Height: 7 feet 6 inches (229 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 310 lbs (141 kg) These remarkable measurements made him one of the tallest players in NBA history. Even in his post-basketball career, he maintains a fit physique, engaging in regular physical activities.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Yao Ming is married to Ye Li, a former professional basketball player who he met while playing for the Shanghai Sharks. They tied the knot in 2007 and share a beautiful family with a daughter named Yao Qinlei. The couple is known for their supportive relationship and often participates together in philanthropic ventures.
After Yao announced that he would enter the 2002 NBA draft, he told one American journalist that he had been studying English for two years, and that he liked the movie Star Wars but disliked hip hop.
He was sometimes accompanied during interviews in Shanghai by one of his parents, whose basketball careers were derailed by the 1966–76 Cultural Revolution, and who came to his Shanghai Sharks games on bicycles. Yao met Chinese female basketball player Ye Li when he was 17 years old.
Ye was not fond of Yao at first, but finally accepted him after he gave her the team pins he had collected during the 2000 Summer Olympics. She is the only woman he has ever dated. Their relationship became public when they appeared together during the 2004 Olympics closing ceremony.
On August 6, 2007, Yao and Ye married in a ceremony attended by close friends and family and closed to the media.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Yao Ming's estimated net worth is around $120 million. His earnings stem from his successful NBA career, lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Nike, and various business ventures. His role as the President of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) also contributes significantly to his earnings.
Yao was pressured to enter the NBA draft in 1999 by Li Yaomin, the deputy general manager of the Shanghai Sharks. Li also influenced Yao to sign a contract for Evergreen Sports Inc. to serve as his agent. The agreement entitled Evergreen to 33% of Yao's earnings, but the contract was later determined to be invalid.
Career, Business and Investments
Yao Ming’s professional journey is inspiring. After achieving phenomenal success in the NBA, he ventured into business, establishing his own wine brand called "Yao Family Wines." He has also invested in various sports-related businesses and has been active in promoting basketball development in China. Yao's leadership in the CBA aims to enhance the quality of basketball at all levels, showcasing his commitment to the sport’s growth.
Yao is one of China's best-known athletes internationally, with sponsorships with several major companies. His rookie year in the NBA was the subject of a documentary film, The Year of the Yao, and he co-wrote, along with NBA analyst Ric Bucher, an autobiography titled Yao: A Life in Two Worlds.
Known in China as the "Yao Ming Phenomenon" and in the United States as the "Ming Dynasty", Yao's success in the NBA, and his popularity among fans, made him a symbol of a new China that was both more modern and more confident. Yao is also an entrepreneur and owner of Yao Family Wines in Napa Valley, California.
Social Network
Yao Ming is quite active on social media platforms, using them to connect with fans and share insights into his life. His official accounts on platforms like Instagram and Twitter provide behind-the-scenes glimpses of his ventures, charitable works, and family moments. He also uses these platforms to advocate for social causes, particularly those related to children and sports.
Education
Yao Ming pursued his education primarily in China, enrolling in Shanghai Jiao Tong University during his early career. His commitment to education is evident as he often speaks about the importance of learning, both on and off the court. In addition to his formal education, Yao has participated in various leadership programs to enhance his skills as a business executive and sports leader.
In conclusion, Yao Ming continues to be a significant figure both in the basketball world and beyond. His impressive achievements, steadfast relationships, and active role in business and social causes cement his legacy as a revered global icon.
He is the only child of 6 ft Yao Zhiyuan and 6 ft Fang Fengdi, both of whom were former professional basketball players. At 11 lb, Yao weighed more than twice as much as the average Chinese newborn. When Yao was nine years old, he began playing basketball and attended a junior sports school.
The following year, Yao measured 5 ft and was examined by sports doctors, who predicted he would grow to 7 ft.
