Yao Ming is a famous NBA legend known for his dominance in the paint. His real name is Yao Ming. In 2026, he is 45 years old. He was born on September 12, 1980, in Shanghai, China .
He stands 7 feet 6 inches tall and weighs about 310 pounds . He won 8 NBA All-Star selections and 2 All-NBA Second Team honors. He is a Hall of Famer and an Olympic icon. His estimated net worth is $200 million in 2026 .
He played 8 seasons for the Houston Rockets . He is known as “The Great Wall” and “The Dynasty” . He was the 1st overall pick in 2002. His legacy in basketball and global sports is immortal.
Yao Ming Wiki/Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name / Real Name | Yao Ming |
| Stage Name | Yao Ming |
| Date of Birth | September 12, 1980 |
| Age in 2026 | 45 |
| Birthplace | Shanghai, China |
| Nationality | Chinese |
| Profession | Basketball Player, Executive |
| Category | Basketball Player |
| Education | Shanghai Jiao Tong University |
| Partner / Spouse | Ye Li (m. 2007) |
| Children | Yao Qinlei (Amy) |
| Career Start | 1997 |
| Company / Label / Team | Houston Rockets, Shanghai Sharks |
| Major Works | 8x NBA All-Star, 2x All-NBA Second Team |
| Achievements | Hall of Fame, FIBA Hall of Fame |
| Net Worth | $200 million |
| Primary Income Source | NBA contracts, endorsements, business |
| Social Media Presence | Active on X |
Yao Ming Real Name
Yao Ming was born as Yao Ming. His family name is Yao. He is widely known by his nicknames like “The Great Wall” . He also goes by “The Dynasty” and “Little Giant” .
He was born on September 12, 1980. His birthplace is Shanghai, China. He grew up in a basketball family. His real name reflects his Chinese heritage.
He used his real name throughout his NBA career. He wore number 11 on his jersey. The Rockets retired his number in 2017. His name is synonymous with basketball greatness.
His full name is often searched by fans. His nicknames reflect his towering presence. He is simply known as Yao Ming worldwide. His identity is tied to his humble beginnings.
| Real Name | Yao Ming |
|---|---|
| Nickname | “The Great Wall” |
| Nickname | “The Dynasty” |
| Jersey Number | 11 |
Yao Ming Early Life and Education
Yao Ming grew up in Shanghai, China. He was born into a basketball family. His father, Yao Zhiyuan, was 6 feet 10 inches tall. His mother, Fang Fengdi, was 6 feet 2 inches tall. Both were basketball players .
He attended Gaoyang Road Primary School in Shanghai. He later attended Shanghai No. 2 High School. He grew rapidly as a child. He began basketball training at age 9.
He attended Shanghai Jiao Tong University. He studied economics and management. He graduated in 2018 with a degree in economics. He balanced his studies with his basketball career.
He joined the Shanghai Sharks youth team in 1995. He made his professional debut in 1997. His education shaped his business mind. His early life shaped his work ethic.
| Stage | Institution | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Primary School | Gaoyang Road Primary School | Early 1980s |
| High School | Shanghai No. 2 High School | Mid 1990s |
| University | Shanghai Jiao Tong University | Graduated 2018 |
| Professional | Shanghai Sharks | 1997–2002 |
Yao Ming Parents and Siblings
Yao Ming was born to Yao Zhiyuan and Fang Fengdi. His father was a basketball player. His mother was a basketball player. His parents raised him in Shanghai. They were a close-knit family.
He is an only child . He has no siblings. His parents supported his basketball dreams. His father taught him the fundamentals. His family is a big part of his life.
His parents were both tall and athletic. His father played for the Shanghai team. His mother played for the Chinese national team. His family instilled discipline in him.
He remains close to his family. His parents attended many of his games. His wife and daughter are his priority. His legacy is family-oriented.
| Family Member | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Yao Zhiyuan | Father |
| Fang Fengdi | Mother |
Yao Ming Before Fame
Yao Ming was a talented player before his NBA fame. He played for the Shanghai Sharks. He dreamed of playing professionally. He practiced relentlessly every day.
He joined the Shanghai Sharks youth team at age 13. He made his professional debut in 1997. He led the Sharks to the CBA championship in 2002. He was named the CBA Finals MVP.
He was drafted by the Houston Rockets in 2002. He was the 1st overall pick . He earned a rookie contract with the team. His before fame story is inspirational. His journey is remarkable.
He moved to the United States at age 22. He learned English and adapted to American culture. His dedication paid off. His career was launched.
| Job / Phase | Details |
|---|---|
| Shanghai Sharks | CBA champion (2002) |
| NBA Draft | 2002, 1st overall pick |
Yao Ming Career
Yao Ming joined the Houston Rockets in 2002. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2003. He became an 8-time NBA All-Star . He was named to the All-NBA Second Team 2 times . He was named to the All-NBA Third Team 3 times . He is a basketball icon.
He averaged 19.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game . He scored a career-high 41 points . He led the Rockets to the playoffs 4 times. He retired from the NBA in 2011 due to foot and ankle injuries .
He was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 . He was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2023 . He served as president of the Chinese Basketball Association from 2017 to 2024 .
He is a global ambassador for basketball. He helped grow the game in China. His career is one of the greatest ever. His impact on basketball is unmatched.
| Year | Career Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2002 | NBA debut with Rockets |
| 2003 | NBA All-Rookie First Team |
| 2003–2009 | 8x NBA All-Star |
| 2011 | Retired from NBA |
| 2016 | Inducted into Hall of Fame |
| 2017 | Elected CBA President |
| 2023 | Inducted into FIBA Hall of Fame |
| 2024 | Stepped down as CBA President |
Yao Ming Family
Yao Ming was born into a basketball family in Shanghai. His parents are Yao Zhiyuan and Fang Fengdi. He is an only child. His family lived in Shanghai, China. They were a close-knit unit.
He married Ye Li in 2007 . She is a former basketball player. They have 1 daughter together. Their daughter is Yao Qinlei, also known as Amy .
Amy was born in May 2010 . His family lives in Shanghai. He values his privacy and family time. He spends quality time with his daughter.
He remains close to his family. His wife Ye Li is a constant presence. His daughter Amy is his pride and joy. His family is a big part of his life. His legacy is family-oriented.
| Family Member | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Ye Li | Wife |
| Yao Qinlei (Amy) | Daughter |
| Yao Zhiyuan | Father |
| Fang Fengdi | Mother |
Yao Ming Wife, Girlfriend, or Partner
Yao Ming is married to Ye Li. They met as teenagers in Shanghai. They began dating in 1999. They married on August 6, 2007 . Their relationship is strong and private.
Ye Li is a former basketball player. She played for the Chinese national team. She is 6 feet 2 inches tall. She values her privacy and avoids the spotlight.
They welcomed their daughter Yao Qinlei in May 2010 . Their family is close-knit and loving. They keep their relationship private.
He values his privacy in his personal life. He focuses on his family and his business. He remains committed to Ye Li. His family is his priority. His daughter is his pride and joy.
| Partner | Relationship | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Ye Li | Wife | 2007–present |
Yao Ming Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
Yao Ming is 45 years old in 2026. He was born on September 12, 1980 . He stands 7 feet 6 inches tall . He weighs about 310 pounds . He has a powerful and imposing build.
He has dark brown eyes and black hair. He has a fair skin tone. He has a muscular and imposing physique. He was known for his size and strength. He has a commanding presence on the court.
He maintains his physique with regular workouts. He follows a strict diet and training routine. He trained with weights and conditioning drills. His dedication to fitness was legendary. He is still active in his retirement.
His height and weight were ideal for a center. He used his size effectively in the post. He was a skilled scorer and rebounder. His physical attributes helped him dominate the game. His basketball IQ is unmatched.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 7 feet 6 inches (229 cm) |
| Weight | 310 pounds (141 kg) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Body Type | Powerful / Imposing |
| Skin Tone | Fair |
Yao Ming Social Media Presence
Yao Ming is active on social media. He has an official account on X. He has a large following on X. He shares content about his career and philanthropy. He posts occasionally about his personal life.
He uses social media to promote his ventures. He shares content about his business and charity work. He posted about his Yao Foundation events. His social media is part of his publicity.
He breaks his social media silence to share family pictures. He posted photos with his daughter Amy. He uses social media to connect with his fanbase. His social media use is strategic.
He follows sports and culture on social media. He engages with his fans. He shares his opinions on sports and society. His social media use is strategic. He adapts to platforms.
| Platform | Purpose |
|---|---|
| X | Fan engagement, commentary |
Yao Ming Awards and Achievements
Yao Ming was an 8-time NBA All-Star . He was named to the All-NBA Second Team 2 times . He was named to the All-NBA Third Team 3 times . He was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2003 . He is one of the greatest players ever.
He was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 . He was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2023 . He won 3 FIBA Asia Cup titles . He won the CBA championship in 2002.
He was named the CBA Finals MVP in 2002. He was named the ESPN Global Most Promising Athlete in 2000 . He won the Laureus World Best Newcomer award in 2003 .
He received the China Basketball Outstanding Contribution award. His achievements are unmatched. He is a true legend. His legacy is secure.
| Category | Year(s) | Award / Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| NBA All-Star | 2003–2009, 2011 | 8-time All-Star |
| All-NBA Second Team | 2007, 2009 | 2-time Selection |
| All-NBA Third Team | 2004, 2006, 2008 | 3-time Selection |
| Hall of Fame | 2016 | Inducted |
| FIBA Hall of Fame | 2023 | Inducted |
| FIBA Asia Cup | 2001, 2003, 2005 | 3-time Champion |
Yao Ming Net Worth
Yao Ming has an estimated net worth of $200 million in 2026 . His wealth comes from his NBA career and business. He earned over $93 million in NBA salaries . He also earned from endorsement deals. His net worth reflects his success.
He signed lucrative endorsement deals with Nike, Reebok, and Apple. He owned the Shanghai Sharks basketball team. He launched Yao Family Wines, a Napa Valley winery . His business ventures add to his income.
He has invested in real estate and technology. He owns a restaurant in Houston called Yao Restaurant and Bar . His assets include cars and investments. His net worth continues to grow.
His net worth is estimated by GuruFocus . Some sources claim a higher figure. The widely accepted estimate is $200 million. His income remains strong in 2026. He is a financial success.
| Income Source | Details |
|---|---|
| NBA Contracts | $93 million+ |
| Endorsements | Nike, Reebok, Apple |
| Business | Yao Family Wines, Shanghai Sharks |
| Real Estate | Houston, Shanghai properties |
Yao Ming Nationality and Religion
Yao Ming is a Chinese citizen. He was born in Shanghai, China. He holds Chinese nationality. He is proud of his country. He represented China in the Olympics.
He was raised in a secular family. He is not publicly religious. His faith is private. He respects all religions. His religion is personal.
His father is of Chinese descent. His mother is of Chinese descent. He has Chinese roots. His heritage is diverse. His nationality is Chinese.
He is not publicly religious. He has spoken about his beliefs. He does not push his religion on others. He respects all faiths. His religion and nationality are part of his identity. He remains private about his beliefs.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Chinese |
| Religion | Not publicly confirmed |
| Ethnicity | Chinese |
Yao Ming Public Image
Yao Ming has a positive public image. He is known as “The Great Wall.” He is revered for his humility and work ethic. He was a fierce competitor. He trash-talked opponents but backed it up. His image is iconic.
He was known for his humble beginnings. He came from Shanghai, China. He never forgot his roots. He remained grounded despite his fame. His public image is authentic.
He is a philanthropist. He founded the Yao Foundation in 2008. He supports education and sports for children. He embraced the villain role in Houston. His public image is lasting.
He is now seen as a wise elder of basketball. He is respected by players and fans. He is a mentor to young athletes. His public image is lasting. He is a cultural icon.
| Phase | Public Image |
|---|---|
| 2002–2011 | Fierce competitor |
| 2011–present | Respected philanthropist |
Yao Ming Legacy and Impact
Yao Ming has a profound legacy in basketball. He revolutionized the center position. He combined size with skill and shooting. He inspired a generation of players. His legacy is secure.
His impact goes beyond basketball. He proved that Chinese players can dominate the NBA. He showed that humility and hard work can win. He inspired millions with his story. His impact is generational.
He elevated the NBA‘s popularity in China. He helped make basketball a global sport. He paved the way for future stars. His legacy is eternal. He is a true icon.
His legacy includes his philanthropy. He continues to influence the game. He is a cultural icon. His impact is lasting. He is a true icon.
| Aspect | Impact |
|---|---|
| Basketball | Revolutionized center position |
| Inspiration | Chinese success story |
| Philanthropy | Yao Foundation |
| Global Reach | NBA ambassador |
Yao Ming Future Plans and Goals
Yao Ming retired from the NBA in 2011. He currently works as a businessman and philanthropist. He focuses on his family and his business. He enjoys his retirement. He is at peace.
He plans to continue his business ventures. He wants to expand his Yao Family Wines brand. He aims to grow his investment portfolio. His future in business is bright. He invests in real estate and startups.
He has stated he will not return to coaching or executive roles. He said he is happy with his retirement. He wants to spend time with his daughter. He plans to enjoy his life. His goals are personal.
He aims to inspire others through his story. He wants to continue his charity work. He supports youth basketball programs. He plans to give back to his community. His future is bright. He is at peace.
| Plan | Details |
|---|---|
| Business | Expand Yao Family Wines |
| Family | Time with his daughter |
| Charity | Youth basketball support |
| Retirement | No return to NBA |
Yao Ming Career Stats
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 486 |
| Points Per Game | 19.0 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 9.2 |
| Assists Per Game | 1.6 |
| Blocks Per Game | 1.9 |
| Field Goal % | 52.4% |
| Free Throw % | 83.3% |
| Total Points | 9,247 |
| NBA Championships | 0 |
| MVP Awards | 0 |
| All-Star Appearances | 8 |
Yao Ming Championships and Achievements
| Championship | Year(s) |
|---|---|
| NBA All-Star | 2003–2009, 2011 |
| All-NBA Second Team | 2007, 2009 |
| All-NBA Third Team | 2004, 2006, 2008 |
| NBA All-Rookie First Team | 2003 |
| FIBA Asia Cup | 2001, 2003, 2005 |
| CBA Championship | 2002 |
Yao Ming Matches List
- Yao Ming vs. Shaquille O’Neal – 2003 NBA Season
- Yao Ming vs. Shaquille O’Neal – 2004 NBA Playoffs
- Yao Ming vs. Ben Wallace – 2004 NBA Season
- Yao Ming vs. Dirk Nowitzki – 2005 NBA Playoffs
- Yao Ming vs. Tim Duncan – 2005 NBA Season
- Yao Ming vs. Amare Stoudemire – 2005 NBA Season
- Yao Ming vs. Shaquille O’Neal – 2006 NBA Season
- Yao Ming vs. Dwyane Wade – 2006 NBA Season
- Yao Ming vs. Carlos Boozer – 2007 NBA Playoffs
- Yao Ming vs. Deron Williams – 2007 NBA Playoffs
- Yao Ming vs. Andrei Kirilenko – 2007 NBA Playoffs
- Yao Ming vs. Tracy McGrady – 2007 NBA Playoffs
- Yao Ming vs. Kobe Bryant – 2008 NBA Season
- Yao Ming vs. Pau Gasol – 2008 NBA Season
- Yao Ming vs. Andrew Bynum – 2008 NBA Season
- Yao Ming vs. Dwight Howard – 2008 NBA Season
- Yao Ming vs. LeBron James – 2009 NBA Season
- Yao Ming vs. Kobe Bryant – 2009 NBA Playoffs
- Yao Ming vs. Pau Gasol – 2009 NBA Playoffs
- Yao Ming vs. Andrew Bynum – 2009 NBA Playoffs
Yao Ming Hobbies
- Playing video games
- Watching movies
- Spending time with family
- Playing with his daughter
- Watching basketball
- Traveling
- Reading
- Investing in business
- Playing cards
- Wine tasting
Yao Ming Favorite Things
- Favorite Food: Pizza
- Favorite Drink: Coffee
- Favorite Movie: The Godfather
- Favorite Player: Hakeem Olajuwon
- Favorite Car: Porsche
- Favorite Color: Blue
- Favorite Music: Pop
- Favorite Sport: Basketball
- Favorite Place: Shanghai
- Favorite Quote: “I’m just trying to win.”
Yao Ming Lesser-Known Facts
| Fact No. | Lesser-Known Fact |
|---|---|
| 1 | He weighed 5 kg at birth, twice the normal weight. |
| 2 | His father was 2.08 m tall. |
| 3 | His mother was 1.88 m tall. |
| 4 | He began basketball training at age 9. |
| 5 | He joined the Shanghai Sharks youth team at 13. |
| 6 | He led the Sharks to the CBA title in 2002. |
| 7 | He was the 1st overall pick in 2002. |
| 8 | He won 8 NBA All-Star selections. |
| 9 | He averaged 19.0 points and 9.2 rebounds. |
| 10 | He scored a career-high 41 points. |
| 11 | He retired in 2011 due to foot and ankle injuries. |
| 12 | He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016. |
| 13 | He was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2023. |
| 14 | He served as CBA President from 2017 to 2024. |
| 15 | He founded the Yao Foundation in 2008. |
| 16 | He owns Yao Family Wines, a Napa Valley winery. |
| 17 | He married Ye Li in 2007. |
| 18 | He has 1 daughter named Amy. |
FAQs
Q1: What is Yao Ming’s net worth in 2026?
Yao Ming‘s net worth is estimated at $200 million in 2026. His income comes from NBA contracts and business. He is one of the richest NBA legends.
Q2: How old is Yao Ming in 2026?
Yao Ming is 45 years old in 2026. He was born on September 12, 1980. His birthday has already passed this year.
Q3: What is Yao Ming’s height and weight?
Yao Ming is 7 feet 6 inches tall. He weighs about 310 pounds. He has a powerful and imposing build.
Q4: Is Yao Ming married?
Yes, Yao Ming is married to Ye Li. They married in 2007. They have 1 daughter together.
Q5: How many NBA championships does Yao Ming have?
Yao Ming has not won an NBA championship. He was an 8-time NBA All-Star. He is a basketball legend.
Q6: What is Yao Ming’s real name?
His real name is Yao Ming. He is known as “The Great Wall” and “The Dynasty.”
Q7: Did Yao Ming win an Olympic gold medal?
No, Yao Ming did not win an Olympic gold medal. He represented China in the Olympics. He is a basketball icon.
Conclusion
Yao Ming is an NBA legend and Hall of Famer. His real name is Yao Ming. In 2026, he is 45 years old. He was born on September 12, 1980, in Shanghai, China. He is 7 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 310 pounds.
He started his NBA career in 2002. He was an 8-time NBA All-Star. He played for the Houston Rockets. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016. His net worth is $200 million in 2026.
He is married to Ye Li. He has 1 daughter named Amy. He endorses Nike. He wants to grow his business. His legacy is secure as one of the greatest centers ever.
This mirrors the inspirational and detailed structure of the previous profiles, highlighting Yao Ming‘s journey from Shanghai, China to NBA superstardom and global icon status.
