NBA legend Yao Ming has resigned from his role as the head of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) after seven years, citing the national team’s disappointing performances as the primary reason for his departure. Basketball enjoys immense popularity in China, and Yao, the former Houston Rockets center, remains one of the country’s most iconic sports figures, even years after retiring from professional play in 2011.
In a statement to the state news agency XINHUA, Yao expressed that the decision to step down was driven by the national team’s failure to meet expectations. The 44-year-old had been openly critical of the men’s team in the past, once referring to the players as “slackers” and highlighting the significant gap between them and the top-tier teams globally. Last year, he also took responsibility when the team failed to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The CBA confirmed Yao’s resignation on Thursday, acknowledging his choice as one made with careful consideration for both the future of Chinese basketball and his personal plans. With two years still remaining in his term, Yao’s early departure will allow the association a complete Olympic cycle to focus on strengthening the team, as reported by Xinhua.
In an official statement, Yao expressed his ongoing passion for basketball, stating, “Basketball is a career I have always adored, whether in the past, present, or future,” and urged continued support for Chinese basketball moving forward. The CBA expressed “sincere gratitude” for Yao’s contributions, emphasizing the impactful work he did to promote basketball in China and elevate the national team’s standards. They remain optimistic that Yao will continue to play a role in supporting Chinese basketball in some capacity.
Yao’s successor, Guo Zhenming, has committed to deepening reforms in the domestic basketball scene and striving to position China as a leading force in the sport. Guo described the responsibility of leading the CBA as both “heavy” and a “glorious mission.”