The NBA and China have had a tumultuous relationship, but retired basketball legend Yao Ming assures us that the league is still held in high regard in his home country.
Yao, who now serves as the president of the Chinese Basketball Association, achieved stardom in the United States as an eight-time NBA All-Star for the Houston Rockets before retiring in 2011.
The amiable 7-foot-6 Yao played a pivotal role in boosting the NBA’s popularity in China. However, there have been challenges and disagreements along the way in the league’s relationship with China.
In 2019, Chinese broadcasters stopped airing Houston Rockets games after then-general manager Daryl Morey expressed support for anti-government protests in Hong Kong. Earlier this year, former NBA player Dwight Howard faced backlash when he referred to Taiwan as a country in a promotional video.
When asked about the past issues between China and the NBA, Yao stated, “I have to say, the NBA is in the first class because the players have been well-liked and followed in China for a long time. The players and the teams are still very much welcomed in China.”
Chinese audiences have had the chance to witness NBA players like Minnesota Timberwolves’ small forward Kyle Anderson, who competed with China at the FIBA World Cup, and Miami Heat All-Star Jimmy Butler, who embarked on a tour of the country during the summer.
Yao recently traveled to New York for the first time in nearly four years as part of a Chinese delegation consisting of approximately 30 individuals. He met with NBA commissioner Adam Silver during a time when international participation in the league is at its peak.
When asked about Silver’s management, Yao commented, “Everything appears to be running very smoothly under his leadership.”
Yao’s visit coincided with the return of the Women’s Tennis Association to China. The China Open concluded earlier this month, marking the resumption of competitions in the country after they were temporarily suspended due to the disappearance of Peng Shuai.
Yao, a close friend of the former doubles No. 1, revealed that he had recently dined with Peng and confirmed that she is doing well.
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