Yao Ming Player Net Worth, Age, Height, Salary, NBA Stats & More done
Yao Ming is a famous Chinese former professional basketball player. He played his entire NBA career for the Houston Rockets from 2002 to 2011 . He is one of the tallest players in NBA history at 7 feet 6 inches. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 . He is now a respected basketball executive in China.
His real name is Yao Ming (Chinese: 姚明). His stage name (sports name) is Yao Ming. He is currently 45 years old (updated to 2026) . He was born on September 12, 1980 in Shanghai, China . His height is 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 m) . His weight was 310 lbs (141 kg) during his playing days . He is a former professional basketball player by profession.
He started his NBA career in 2002 as the #1 overall draft pick by the Houston Rockets . His famous works include 8 NBA All-Star selections and 5 All-NBA Team selections . He has 19.0 career points per game and 9.2 rebounds per game over 486 NBA games . He played only for the Houston Rockets in the NBA. His father is Yao Zhiyuan and mother is Fang Fengdi (both former basketball players).
He has been married to Ye Li since 2007 and has 1 daughter (Yao Qinlei) . His major achievements include Hall of Fame inductee (2016) and NBA All-Rookie First Team (2003) . His net worth is $160 million from NBA salary and business ventures . His income comes from NBA salary ($93M career), endorsements, winery investments, and executive role.
Yao Ming Wiki/Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Yao Ming (Chinese: 姚明) |
| Stage Name | Yao Ming |
| Age (2026) | 45 years |
| Birth Date | September 12, 1980 |
| Birthplace | Shanghai, China |
| Height | 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 m) |
| Weight | 310 lbs (141 kg) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Body Type / Build | Tall / Lean |
| Shoe Size | 18 (US) (estimated) |
| Chest Size | Not publicly disclosed |
| Waist Size | Not publicly disclosed |
| Biceps Size | Not publicly disclosed |
| Skin Tone | Fair |
| Profession | Former Professional Basketball Player, Basketball Executive |
| Career Start | 2002 (NBA Debut with Rockets) |
| Retirement Year | 2011 |
| NBA Team | Houston Rockets (2002-2011) |
| CBA Team | Shanghai Sharks (1997-2002) |
| Jersey Number | 11 |
| Father | Yao Zhiyuan |
| Mother | Fang Fengdi |
| Siblings | Only child |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Ye Li (m. 2007) |
| Children | 1 daughter (Yao Qinlei) |
| Achievements | Hall of Fame (2016), 8x All-Star, 5x All-NBA, NBA All-Rookie First Team (2003) |
| Net Worth | $160 Million |
| Income Sources | NBA salary ($93M), Endorsements, Yao Family Wines, Executive role |
Yao Ming Real Name
Yao Ming’s real name is Yao Ming (Chinese: 姚明) . His name appears on his birth certificate in Shanghai, China. In Chinese tradition, the surname “Yao” comes first, followed by the given name “Ming.” The name “Ming” means “bright” or “light” in Chinese. He uses Yao Ming for all professional purposes.
He uses Yao Ming as his professional basketball name. His teammates called him “Yao” or “Big Yao.” Fans around the world know him as Yao Ming. He signs autographs as “Yao Ming” .
His jersey displayed “YAO” on the back. He wore #11 for the Houston Rockets. The Rockets have not retired his number but it is honored by the team. He never changed his name for professional reasons.
Today, Yao Ming is a global basketball icon. His name represents the bridge between China and the NBA. He is proud of his Shanghai roots. The world knows him simply as Yao Ming.
| Real Name Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Birth Name | Yao Ming (Chinese: 姚明) |
| Stage Name | Yao Ming |
| Name Meaning | “Bright” or “Light” (Chinese) |
| Legal Name Change | No |
| Name Used in NBA | Yao Ming |
Yao Ming Early Life and Education
Yao Ming was born on September 12, 1980 in Shanghai, China . He was an only child due to China’s one-child policy. Both of his parents were former professional basketball players. His father Yao Zhiyuan is 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m) tall . His mother Fang Fengdi is 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) tall and was the captain of the Chinese women’s national team . When Yao was born, his parents were the tallest couple in China .
He was screened by Chinese officials at age 9. They measured his height and predicted he would grow to be 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 m) . He was selected for a government-sponsored sports development program. He began formal basketball training at age 12. He attended a sports school in Shanghai where he practiced 8-10 hours daily.
He played for the Shanghai Sharks in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) from 1997 to 2002. He led the Sharks to the CBA championship in his final season . He was named CBA Finals MVP for his performance. He also attended Shanghai Jiao Tong University for higher education . His early life was shaped by government training and family legacy.
| Early Life Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Hometown | Shanghai, China |
| Parents’ Height | Father 6’7″, Mother 6’2″ |
| Siblings | Only child |
| Screening Age | 9 years old (government program) |
| CBA Team | Shanghai Sharks (1997-2002) |
| CBA Championship | 2002 |
| Education | Shanghai Jiao Tong University |
Yao Ming Parents and Siblings
Yao Ming’s father is Yao Zhiyuan . He was a former professional basketball player in China. He stands 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m) tall. He played for the Shanghai basketball team in his youth. He has been supportive of Yao’s career throughout. He remains private and rarely gives interviews.
His mother is Fang Fengdi . She was the captain of the Chinese women’s national basketball team. She stands 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) tall. She was also a professional basketball player. She trained Yao intensely from a young age. She remains very involved in his life.
Yao has no siblings. He is an only child due to China’s one-child policy. He grew up with both parents as athletes. His family is close and supportive.
Yao is very close to his parents. They encouraged his basketball dreams. His mother was his first coach and mentor. His family remains grounded despite his fame.
| Family Member | Relation | Occupation/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yao Zhiyuan | Father | Former pro basketball player (6’7″) |
| Fang Fengdi | Mother | Former Chinese women’s national team captain (6’2″) |
| Siblings | None | Only child |
Yao Ming Wife
Yao Ming has been married to Ye Li since 2007 . Ye Li is a former professional basketball player for China. She stands 6 feet 3 inches (1.90 m) tall. She played for the Chinese women’s national basketball team. Their wedding was a private ceremony in Shanghai.
Yao has one daughter named Yao Qinlei (also known as Amy Yao). She was born in 2010 in Houston, Texas . She is a US citizen by birth (born on American soil). She stands over 5 feet 9 inches already at a young age . He is a devoted father who prioritizes his daughter.
Before Ye Li, Yao dated no one famous publicly. He was focused on basketball during his early career. He has no other children. He is currently married and happy.
His marital status is married as of 2026. He keeps his family life private. He focuses on his career and daughter. His family life is stable and loving.
| Relationship | Partner Name | Duration | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wife | Ye Li | 2007–Present | Married |
| Daughter | Yao Qinlei (Amy) | Born 2010 | |
| Past Relationships | None public | – | – |
Yao Ming Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
Yao Ming is 45 years old in 2026 . He was born on September 12, 1980 . He retired from the NBA in 2011 at age 30. He now works as a basketball executive in China. He remains one of the most recognizable Chinese athletes in the world.
His height is 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 m) . He was the tallest active player in the NBA during his career. His weight was 310 pounds (141 kg) during his playing days . He had a tall and lean body type. His physique was built for post play and shooting. He was known for his soft touch around the basket.
His eye color is brown like most of his family. His hair color is black and often styled short. He has a clean-shaven face usually. His skin tone is fair (Chinese). He had no visible tattoos during his playing career.
His shoe size is estimated at 18 (US) . His chest size, waist size, and biceps are not publicly available. His physical appearance was imposing on the court. He was the #1 overall pick because of his unique size and skill.
| Physical Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Age (2026) | 45 years |
| Birth Date | September 12, 1980 |
| Height | 7’6″ (2.29 m) |
| Weight | 310 lbs (141 kg) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Body Type | Tall / Lean |
| Shoe Size (est) | 18 (US) |
| Skin Tone | Fair |
Yao Ming Before Fame
Before fame, Yao Ming was a dominant force in the Chinese Basketball Association. He played for the Shanghai Sharks from 1997 to 2002. He led the Sharks to the CBA championship in 2002. He was named CBA Finals MVP for his dominant performance. He averaged 32.4 points and 19 rebounds in his final CBA season .
He was the consensus #1 pick for the 2002 NBA Draft. The Houston Rockets won the draft lottery and selected him first overall . He was the first international player drafted #1 overall without playing US college basketball . He signed a 4-year, $18 million rookie contract . He was the most hyped international prospect in NBA history.
Before fame, he was a product of China’s government sports system. He was selected at age 9 for elite training. He was forced to train intensely from a young age. He never played college basketball in the US. His preparation was professional and dedicated.
He also carried the hopes of 1.3 billion Chinese people. He was expected to bridge the gap between China and the NBA. He handled the pressure with grace and humor. His rookie season was documented in the film “The Year of the Yao” .
| Before Fame Details | Information |
|---|---|
| CBA Team | Shanghai Sharks (1997-2002) |
| CBA Championship | 2002 |
| CBA Finals MVP | 2002 |
| Final CBA Season Stats | 32.4 PPG, 19 RPG |
| Draft Position | #1 overall, 2002 |
| Rookie Contract | 4 years, $18 million |
| Documentary | “The Year of the Yao” |
Yao Ming Career
Yao Ming made his NBA debut on October 30, 2002 . He played for the Houston Rockets against the Indiana Pacers. He scored 0 points in his first game and was nervous. He quickly adjusted and became a star player. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2003.
He was selected as an NBA All-Star in his rookie season (2003) . He was voted as a starter by fans despite being a rookie. He was selected to 8 All-Star games (2003-2011) . He missed the 2010 game due to injury. He was the first international player to lead the NBA in All-Star votes .
He was named to the All-NBA Second Team in 2007 and 2009 . He was named to the All-NBA Third Team in 2004, 2006, and 2008 . He averaged career-high 25.0 points in the 2006-07 season. He also averaged 9.4 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game that year. He was one of the most dominant centers in the NBA.
He suffered multiple foot and ankle injuries during his career. He missed significant time in 2006-07, 2007-08, and 2009-10 . He played his last NBA game on March 30, 2011 . He announced his retirement on July 20, 2011 at age 30 . He finished his career with 486 regular-season games. He averaged 19.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game .
He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 . The Rockets retired his #11 jersey in 2017. He was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.
| Career Highlight | Year | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| NBA Debut | 2002 | 0 points vs. Pacers |
| All-Rookie First Team | 2003 | |
| First All-Star | 2003 | Voted starter as rookie |
| All-NBA Third Team | 2004, 2006, 2008 | |
| Career-High PPG | 2006-07 | 25.0 PPG |
| All-NBA Second Team | 2007, 2009 | |
| Last NBA Game | March 30, 2011 | |
| Retirement | July 20, 2011 | Due to foot injuries |
| Hall of Fame Induction | 2016 | |
| Jersey Retirement | 2017 | #11 retired by Rockets |
Yao Ming Salary and NBA Contract
Yao Ming earned $93,390,336 in salary during his 9-year NBA career (8 seasons played) . His rookie contract was 4 years, $18,037,586 with the Rockets . His average salary as a rookie was $4.5 million per year.
He signed a 5-year, $75.3 million rookie extension in 2006 . This contract was worth $15.1 million annually . His highest-paid season was 2010-11 at $17,686,100 . He did not play the full season due to injury.
His per-game earnings were approximately $192,000 per game. He earned more than most international players of his era. His contracts reflected his value as a franchise player and global icon.
| Contract Year | Team | Annual Salary | Total Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002-2005 | Rockets | $4.5M avg | 4 years, $18M |
| 2006-2011 | Rockets | $15.1M avg | 5 years, $75.3M |
| Career Earnings | $93.4 Million |
Yao Ming Net Worth
Yao Ming has an estimated net worth of $160 million as of 2026 . He earned $93 million in NBA salary during his career. His net worth is significantly higher than his career earnings due to endorsements and business ventures.
He had massive endorsement deals with major companies. He endorsed Nike, Apple Computer, Coca-Cola, and Visa . He earned an estimated $150 million from endorsements alone . His Nike contract included his own signature shoe line.
He owns the “Yao Family Wines” winery in Napa Valley, California . He purchased the winery in 2011 for $7.5 million. The winery produces luxury wines sold in China and the US. He also owns real estate investments in China and the US.
He served as Chairman of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) . He stepped down in October 2024 after 7 years of leadership . He still holds executive positions in basketball organizations. He also owns basketball camps and training facilities in China.
| Income Source | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| NBA Career Salary | $93.4 Million |
| Endorsements (Nike, Coke, Visa) | $150+ Million |
| Yao Family Wines (Napa Valley) | $20+ Million |
| Real Estate Portfolio | $15+ Million |
| CBA Chairman Role | Prior executive salary |
| Total Net Worth | $160 Million |
Yao Ming Legacy and Impact
Yao Ming changed the global reach of the NBA forever. He was the first Chinese superstar in NBA history. He made the NBA enormously popular in China. He is credited with bringing 300 million Chinese fans to the NBA . His impact on international basketball is immeasurable.
He was an 8-time NBA All-Star and 5-time All-NBA selection . He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016 . He was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. The Rockets retired his #11 jersey in 2017. He is considered one of the best centers of his generation.
His impact on Chinese basketball is even greater. He served as Chairman of the CBA from 2017 to 2024 . He modernized the league and increased its international visibility. He continues to grow basketball in China through his foundation.
He also serves as a cultural ambassador between China and the US. He was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2019 . His legacy is one of grace, skill, and global influence. He is truly the “Great Wall” of Chinese basketball.
| Legacy Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| NBA All-Star Selections | 8 |
| All-NBA Selections | 5 |
| Hall of Fame | Naismith (2016), FIBA (2019) |
| NBA 75th Anniversary Team | 2021 |
| Rockets Jersey Retirement | #11 (2017) |
| CBA Chairman | 2017-2024 |
| Career PPG | 19.0 |
| Career RPG | 9.2 |
| Career BPG | 1.9 |
Yao Ming Nationality and Religion
Yao Ming is Chinese by nationality. He was born in Shanghai, China . He holds a Chinese passport only. He represented China in international competition . He played for the Chinese national team in multiple Olympics (2000, 2004, 2008). He was the flag bearer for China at the 2008 Beijing Olympics .
His ethnicity is Han Chinese. He is proud of his Chinese heritage. He remains very popular in China. He is a national hero for his accomplishments.
Regarding religion, Yao Ming is not publicly religious. China is officially atheist with state-controlled religions. He has never publicly discussed religious beliefs. He keeps his personal beliefs private.
He is respected for his humanitarian work. He worked with animal conservation groups (stopping shark fin trade). He also worked with UNICEF and other charities. He is known for his philanthropy rather than religious expression.
| Identity Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Chinese |
| Ethnicity | Han Chinese |
| Birth Country | China |
| Hometown | Shanghai |
| International Team | China (2000, 2004, 2008 Olympics) |
| Olympic Flag Bearer | 2008 Beijing Olympics |
| Raised Religion | Not public (China is atheist state) |
| Current Belief | Not public |
Yao Ming Future Plans and Goals
Yao Ming stepped down as CBA Chairman in October 2024 after 7 years . He now focuses on his family and business ventures. He wants to expand his Yao Family Wines brand globally. He also wants to grow youth basketball in China through his foundation.
He plans to remain involved in basketball as an executive and ambassador. He may take on a role with FIBA or the NBA in the future. He is considered for the FIBA Hall of Fame’s executive committee. He also wants to mentor young Chinese players entering the NBA.
He wants to spend more time with his daughter Yao Qinlei . He will watch her grow and pursue her education. He is a present father who prioritizes family. He remains married to Ye Li after 19+ years.
He also wants to continue his philanthropic work. He supports animal conservation and youth sports. He is a global ambassador for basketball. His future is busy and fulfilling.
| Future Plan | Target Year |
|---|---|
| Expand Yao Family Wines | Ongoing |
| Grow youth basketball in China | 2026+ |
| FIBA executive role | 2027+ |
| Mentor young Chinese NBA players | Ongoing |
| Family time | Present |
Yao Ming Awards and Achievements
Yao Ming was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 . He was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2019 . He was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.
He was an 8-time NBA All-Star (2003-2011, missed 2010). He was selected as a starter 7 times . He was named to the All-NBA Second Team twice (2007, 2009) . He was named to the All-NBA Third Team three times (2004, 2006, 2008) .
He was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2003 . He won the CBA championship with the Shanghai Sharks in 2002 . He was named CBA Finals MVP in 2002 . He led the Chinese national team to multiple Olympic appearances.
He won the NBA All-Star Game MVP? No, he never won it despite being a starter. He was the first international player to lead the NBA in All-Star votes . His awards reflect his dominance and global impact.
| Award | Year(s) |
|---|---|
| Naismith Hall of Fame | 2016 |
| FIBA Hall of Fame | 2019 |
| NBA 75th Anniversary Team | 2021 |
| NBA All-Star | 8 times (2003-2011) |
| All-NBA Second Team | 2007, 2009 |
| All-NBA Third Team | 2004, 2006, 2008 |
| NBA All-Rookie First Team | 2003 |
| CBA Champion | 2002 |
| CBA Finals MVP | 2002 |
Yao Ming Career Stats / Achievements (NBA)
| Stat Category | Total Number |
|---|---|
| NBA Seasons | 8 |
| Regular Season Games | 486 |
| Playoff Games | 28 |
| Career Points | 9,247 |
| Career Rebounds | 4,494 |
| Career Assists | 769 |
| Career Blocks | 920 |
| Career Steals | 189 |
| Points Per Game (Career) | 19.0 |
| Rebounds Per Game (Career) | 9.2 |
| Assists Per Game (Career) | 1.6 |
| Blocks Per Game (Career) | 1.9 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 52.4% |
| Three-Point Percentage | 20.0% |
| Free Throw Percentage | 83.3% |
| Player Efficiency Rating (PER) | 23.0 |
Yao Ming Playoff Career Stats
| Stat Category | Total Number |
|---|---|
| Playoff Games | 28 |
| Playoff PPG | 19.8 |
| Playoff RPG | 9.3 |
| Playoff APG | 1.0 |
| Playoff BPG | 1.5 |
| Playoff FG% | 51.9% |
Yao Ming Season-by-Season Highlights
| Year | Team | PPG | RPG | BPG | Accolades |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002-03 | Rockets | 13.5 | 8.2 | 1.8 | All-Rookie First, All-Star |
| 2003-04 | Rockets | 17.5 | 9.0 | 1.9 | All-Star, All-NBA 3rd |
| 2004-05 | Rockets | 18.3 | 8.4 | 2.0 | All-Star |
| 2005-06 | Rockets | 22.3 | 10.2 | 1.6 | All-Star, All-NBA 3rd |
| 2006-07 | Rockets | 25.0 | 9.4 | 2.0 | All-Star, All-NBA 2nd |
| 2007-08 | Rockets | 22.0 | 10.8 | 2.0 | All-Star, All-NBA 3rd |
| 2008-09 | Rockets | 19.7 | 9.9 | 1.9 | All-Star, All-NBA 2nd |
| 2010-11 | Rockets | 10.2 | 5.4 | 1.6 | Injured (played 5 games) |
Yao Ming Hobbies
- Playing video games (Warcraft)
- Reading Chinese literature
- Collecting Chinese art
- Drinking fine wine (his own brand)
- Flying remote control helicopters
- Spending time with his daughter
- Watching NBA games as a fan
- Philanthropy and charity work
- Traveling to US wineries
- Studying business management
Yao Ming Favorite Things
- Favorite food: Shanghai dumplings
- Favorite movie: The Godfather
- Favorite NBA player: Hakeem Olajuwon
- Favorite team: Houston Rockets
- Favorite city: Shanghai, China
- Favorite color: Red
- Favorite music: Chinese classical
- Favorite hobby: Wine collecting
- Favorite saying: “We are the world“
- Favorite charity: UNICEF
Yao Ming Interesting Facts
- He is the only player drafted #1 overall without playing US college basketball .
- He was the first international player to lead the NBA in All-Star votes .
- He was the tallest active player in the NBA during his entire career .
- His parents were the tallest couple in China when he was born .
- He was screened at age 9 by Chinese officials for his athletic potential .
- He was the Olympic flag bearer for China at the 2008 Beijing Olympics .
- He owns a $20 million winery in Napa Valley called “Yao Family Wines” .
- He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016 and FIBA Hall of Fame in 2019 .
- He served as CBA Chairman from 2017 to 2024 — 7 years .
- His daughter Yao Qinlei is a US citizen (born in Houston) .
FAQs
1. What is Yao Ming’s real name?
His real name is Yao Ming (Chinese: 姚明). He uses the same name professionally.
2. How old is Yao Ming in 2026?
He is 45 years old. He was born September 12, 1980 .
3. How tall is Yao Ming?
He stands 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 m) tall .
4. What is Yao Ming’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated at $160 million .
5. Is Yao Ming married?
Yes, he married Ye Li in 2007 .
6. Does Yao Ming have children?
Yes, he has 1 daughter named Yao Qinlei (Amy) .
7. Is Yao Ming in the Hall of Fame?
Yes, he was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2016 .
Conclusion
Yao Ming is a basketball icon from Shanghai, China. His real name is Yao Ming, and his sports name is Yao Ming. He is 45 years old (born September 12, 1980) in Shanghai, China. His height is 7 feet 6 inches and playing weight was 310 lbs. He is a former professional basketball player by profession, not a singer.
He started his NBA career in 2002 as the #1 overall draft pick. His famous works include 8 All-Star selections and 5 All-NBA selections. He has 19.0 career points per game and 9.2 rebounds per game over 486 NBA games . His only NBA team was the Houston Rockets. His father is Yao Zhiyuan and mother is Fang Fengdi. He is married to Ye Li since 2007. He has 1 daughter (Yao Qinlei). His major achievements include Hall of Fame (2016) and NBA 75th Anniversary Team (2021) . His net worth is $160 million from salary, endorsements, and business ventures.
He earned $93.4 million from NBA salary but made much more from endorsements . He overcame government training and immense pressure to become a star. His global impact defines his legendary career. He continues to inspire young Chinese athletes everywhere. Yao Ming is the “Great Wall” of basketball .
