Yao Ming, China’s Giant of Basketball, Steps Down as Head of CBA
Listen to the full version
Yao Ming, the former NBA superstar, has stepped down as president of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) after a seven-year tenure that has been marked with both success and regrets.
The association Thursday said it has accepted Yao’s resignation and vice chairman Guo Zhenming was named as his successor.
Yao, 44, said he decided to resign “after careful consideration” and “based on considerations for the development of China’s basketball and personal planning.” He was quoted in a statement as saying: “Basketball is a career I have always adored, whether in the past, present or future.”
Unlock exclusive discounts with a Caixin group subscription — ideal for teams and organizations.
Subscribe to both Caixin Global and The Wall Street Journal — for the price of one.
- RELATED
- DIGEST HUB
Digest Hub
Back
- Yao Ming resigned as president of the CBA after seven years, with Guo Zhenming succeeding him; he aimed for basketball's development and personal planning.
- Yao's tenure included reforms in league operations and youth basketball promotion, despite disappointing performances from the men's national team.
- The women’s team excelled with consecutive Asian Games golds, and Yao's efforts in grassroots basketball and league establishment were credited for advancing China's basketball industry and culture.
- Shanghai Sharks
- Shanghai Sharks is the team where Yao Ming began his basketball career before moving to the NBA. Yao played for the Sharks prior to being the first foreigner selected as the NBA's top draft player when he joined the Houston Rockets in 2002.
- Houston Rockets
- Yao Ming joined the Houston Rockets in 2002 as a center, becoming the NBA's first foreign top draft pick. He was a standout player for the team until his retirement in 2011. During his tenure with the Rockets, Yao was instrumental in popularizing basketball in China and building a successful career in the NBA.
- 2011：
- Yao Ming retired from playing.
- 2017：
- Yao Ming was appointed president of the CBA.
- 2018：
- The women's national basketball team won a gold medal at the Asian Games in Jakarta.
- 2019：
- The national men's basketball team failed to reach the top 16 at the FIBA World Cup.
- 2022：
- Yao Ming was re-elected as president of the CBA.
- 2022：
- The women's national basketball team won a gold medal at the Asian Games in Hangzhou.
- 2023：
- Yao Ming emphasized the importance of youth participation in basketball during a keynote speech at the Asian Vision Forum.
- 2023：
- The national men's basketball team failed to reach the top 16 at the FIBA World Cup.
- PODCAST
- MOST POPULAR
Sign in with Google
Sign in with Facebook
Sign in with 财新