NBA icon Yao Ming has stepped down as president of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), citing the national team’s disappointing performance as his reason for departure. Yao, a former center for the Houston Rockets and China’s most famous basketball figure, had served as CBA president for seven years.
Explaining his decision to China’s Xinhua news agency, Yao expressed regret over the team’s recent results, which fell short of expectations. He has openly criticized the team in the past, emphasizing the “huge gap” between them and the world’s top competitors. Last year, after China’s failure to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Yao took responsibility, stating that he would address the issues plaguing the team.
The CBA confirmed Yao’s resignation, noting he had carefully considered his choice, leaving two years ahead of schedule to allow new leadership a complete Olympic cycle to elevate China’s basketball team. The association praised Yao’s contributions, from promoting the sport to building a stronger national team foundation, and expressed optimism for his continued involvement in Chinese basketball.
Yao’s successor, Guo Zhenming, committed to reforms aimed at strengthening the domestic game and boosting China’s international standing in basketball.
