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What is Yao Ming’s net worth?

Net Worth:	$175 Million
Age:	43
Born:	September 12, 1980
Gender:	Male
Height:	2.29 m (7 ft 6 in)
Country of Origin:	China
Source of Wealth:	Professional NBA Player
Last Updated:	September 18, 2023

Introduction

Yao Ming is a retired Chinese basketball player who spent his entire career with the Houston Rockets in the NBA.

He was a seven-time NBA All-Star and was named to the All-NBA Second Team twice, notably being the first overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft.

Unexpectedly, he was the first player from outside of the United States to lead the NBA in All-Star voting.

As of September 2023, Yao Ming’s net worth is estimated to be $175 Million.

Yao Ming Facts

Yao Ming retired from basketball after playing for the Houston Rockets in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Ming was selected as the first overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets.
He was a seven-time NBA All-Star and was named to the All-NBA Second Team twice.
Yao retired from the NBA in 2011 due to a series of foot and ankle injuries.
He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.

Early Life

Yao Ming was born September 12, 1980, in Shanghai, China.

He began playing basketball at a young age and quickly developed into a talented player in 1997, at the age of 16 joined the Shanghai Sharks.

In 2002, he led China to a fifth-place finish in the FIBA World Championship, the best finish for the country in the tournament to that point.

Yao Ming’s success on the court attracted the attention of the NBA, and he was selected as the first overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets.

His popularity off the court also contributed to the growth of the NBA’s global reach and popularity, bringing more international attention and fans to the league.

Career

Yao Ming was a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court and during his time with the Houston Rockets in the NBA, he was a seven-time All-Star.

He was known for his size, skill, and shooting ability, and helped lead the Rockets to the playoffs several times.

In addition to his NBA career, Yao Ming also represented China in the Olympic Games, winning a silver medal at the 2004 Games in Athens.

After retiring from the NBA in 2011 due to injuries, Yao Ming turned his focus to business ventures in the USA and China.

He became the owner of the Shanghai Sharks, the team he played for before joining the NBA, and is also involved in various charitable projects, including the Yao Ming Foundation.

Throughout his career, Yao Ming had the chance to play with and against some of the biggest names in basketball, with his Rockets teammates Tracy McGrady and Steve Francis.

He is highly respected in the basketball world and is remembered as one of the greatest players of all time.

Yao Ming’s Career Earnings

As Yao is now retired from basketball, it is not possible to provide an accurate estimated overview of his annual salary.

Since he left the professional arena, Ming has invested in a variety of business ventures, including restaurants and a winery, as well as taking ownership of basketball clubs in the USA and Shanghai.

So, Yao Ming’s salary in 2022 is unknown as he does not release any information concerning his financial affairs or those of his many business interests.

He made his NBA debut in the 2002-03 season and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team, marking a significant moment in the league’s history.

Yao Ming made history when he was selected first overall in the 2002 NBA Draft, becoming the first player from outside the United States to be chosen with the top pick.

Yao Ming’s Net Worth Annually

Before joining the NBA in the USA, Yao played for the Sharks, a professional basketball team in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) for whom he played for five seasons.

He ended up leading the team to the CBA championship in 2002 which was one of the reasons that scouts from the NBA enticed him to come to America.

Yao Ming joins LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kobe Bryant as one of the richest NBA players in the world with an estimated net worth of around $175 Million.

After retiring from the NBA, Yao entered into a variety of business deals that saw his wealth grow well beyond what he had earned over the course of his career.

Despite various news organizations and websites speculating on how much he is worth, Ming has not released any information that can be used to accurately predict his actual net worth.

Personal Life

Yao Ming married Ye Li, a former professional basketball player for the China women’s national team, in 2007 and they have a daughter, Yao Qinlei, born in 2010.

In his personal life, Yao Ming is known for his charitable work and his involvement in various philanthropic projects.

He established the Yao Ming Foundation in 2008, which focuses on education and health initiatives in China.

Through the foundation, Yao Ming has supported a range of causes, including the construction of schools and the provision of medical care to underserved communities.

In addition to his charitable work, Yao Ming is also a successful businessman in China and is involved in various ventures, including the ownership of the Shanghai Sharks.

He is widely respected and admired in his home country and is seen as a role model for young people.

Yao’s official Instagram account and official Twitter account are great ways to stay updated on all things Ming.

Awards & Achievements

Yao Ming was born to two former pro players and started playing basketball at a young age, joining the Shanghai Sharks junior team when he was 13 years old.

After four years on the junior team, he moved up to the senior team and helped lead them to a CBA championship in his fifth season.

Here are some of the finest moments from Yao Ming’s career:

Ming was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team after his debut season with the Houston Rockets in 2002-03.
He was named to the NBA All-Star team in each of his eight seasons in the league, from 2003 through the 2010-11 season.
Yao was named to the All-NBA Second Team twice, in 2004 and 2007.
Ming represented China in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, and helped lead the Chinese national team to a silver medal.
Yao Ming was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016, in recognition of his outstanding career contribution to the NBA.

Yao was drafted first overall by the Houston Rockets in the NBA and played for them for almost a decade, earning eight All-Star selections.

He joins players like Christian Wood, James Harden, Clint Capela, and Trevor Ariza who have ensured that the Rockets have stayed competitive throughout the years.

How Does Yao Ming Spend His Money?

Yao Ming is now the president of the Chinese Basketball Association and also owns the Shanghai Sharks, the team where he started his professional career.

He has also invested in a winery, Yao Family Wines, that compliments his other restaurant investment interests.

In his free time, Yao Ming is passionate about charitable causes, especially those related to animal rights.

He has served as an ambassador for elephant conservation and is a spokesman for the group WildAid.

His fame and influence have allowed him to bring attention to important issues, such as the dangers of shark hunting and their threat of extinction.

Despite his success and fame, Yao Ming is known for living a fairly modest life and doesn’t use social media very often.

When he does tweet or post to Instagram, it’s usually to congratulate other basketball players or to promote his charitable work.

Yao didn’t seem to be impressed by the most expensive cars in the world and owned a midnight blue BMW 7-series sedan that he customized to fit his tall frame.

Highlights

After a stellar career, he retired from the NBA and became the president of the CBA as well as the owner of the Shanghai Sharks.

He’s also secured endorsement deals with various companies and was listed on Forbes’ highest-earning Chinese celebrities list.

Here are some of the best highlights of Yao Ming’s career:

Yao Ming was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team after his debut season with the Houston Rockets in 2002-03.
Yao Ming is the only player from outside of the United States to lead the NBA in All-Star voting, receiving the most votes in the NBA All-Star Game in both 2003 and 2004.
After retiring from the NBA, Yao Ming became a successful businessman in China and is involved in various ventures, including the ownership of the Shanghai Sharks.
He is also involved in charitable work, including the establishment of the Yao Ming Foundation, which focuses on education and health initiatives in China.
Yao Ming was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016, in recognition of his outstanding career in the NBA.

Even though he had a successful career, it was cut short due to injuries, including a broken foot and osteomyelitis in his left foot.

In addition to his business and charitable endeavors, Yao Ming has been involved in other projects, like starting a private equity firm and creating a sports agency.

Favorite Yao Ming Quotes

Ming is known for his thoughtful and inspiring words, especially when dealing with junior players who look to him as a mentor and icon.

Here are our favorite quotes from Yao Ming:

“The biggest challenge is adjusting to the physical play and the speed of the game. But I think I can do it.” – Yao Ming
“The first thing I have to do is help the Rockets make the playoffs. That’s my job.” – Yao Ming
“You have to be mentally strong to be able to compete at the highest level.” – Yao Ming
“I don’t want to be known as the ‘next Michael Jordan.’ I want to be known as the first Yao Ming.” – Yao Ming
“I think the most important thing is not how tall you are, but how big your heart is.” – Yao Ming

3 Amazing Lessons From Yao Ming

Yao Ming has shared valuable lessons throughout his career, including the importance of hard work, honesty, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.

Now that you know all about Yao Ming’s net worth, here are some of the best success lessons to learn from Yao Ming:

1. Hard Work & Perseverance Will Pay Dividends

Yao Ming’s career demonstrates that hard work and perseverance can pay off, especially if you focus on an achievable goal.

He worked tirelessly to become one of the best basketball players in the world, and his dedication and determination were key to his success in the NBA.

2. Success Comes In Many Forms

After retiring from the NBA, Yao Ming showed that it’s possible to find success in a variety of different areas by branching out and diversifying.

He has been successful in a range of business ventures, including the ownership of the Shanghai Sharks, and he has made a positive impact through his charitable work.

3. Make A Positive Impact On Others’ Lives

Yao Ming’s philanthropic efforts, including the establishment of the Yao Ming Foundation, show that it’s important to give back and make a difference in the world.

He has demonstrated a commitment to making a positive impact on others, particularly through education and health initiatives in China.

Summary

Yao Ming was a dominant force in the NBA, playing for the Houston Rockets and earning All-Star honors seven times.

After hanging up his sneakers, he found success in a variety of business ventures in China and also gave back through his charitable foundation.

All in all, Yao Ming has had an impressive and impactful career both on and off the court, building massive wealth on the back of his athletic successes.