Yao Ming

President of Chinese Basketball Association, NBA Hall-of-Famer & Founder of the Yao Family Wines

Travels From Travels From:
Shanghai, Belgium
Speaking Fee Speaking Fee:
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Yao Ming Biography

He was larger than life, and on opposite sides of the world, the man who stretched seven-and-a-half feet into space changed the face of basketball forever. Yao Ming joined the Houston Rockets in the summer of 2002, just a few months removed from having led his Shanghai Sharks to the Chinese Basketball Association championship. Already a legend in his native China, the big center was poised to test his mettle against the best basketball players in the world. In eight NBA seasons, Yao made eight All-Star rosters, averaged 19 points and 9 rebounds, and was named to the All-NBA team five times. He was also a three-time gold medalist and three-time MVP at the FIBA Asia Championships. Yao was a cultural and physical phenomenon with the personality to balance the demands of playing in a foreign land on the biggest stage while bridging the social, economic, and political landscapes of two very different worlds.

Yao is one of China's best-known athletes, with sponsorships with several major companies. His rookie year in the NBA was the subject of a documentary film, The Year of the Yao, and he co-wrote, along with NBA analyst Ric Bucher, an autobiography titled "Yao: A Life in Two Worlds." Known in China as the "Yao Ming Phenomenon" and in the United States as the "Ming Dynasty", Yao's success in the NBA, and his popularity among fans, made him a symbol of a new China that was both more modern and more confident.

Yao’s humanitarian career also began early in his NBA career, when he was named a global ambassador to Special Olympics and WildAid. Through his work with each organization, Yao helped shed light onto issues that were very important to him: special needs children and endangered species. In 2008, Yao launched the Yao Foundation, in response to the devastating earthquake in Sichuan Province of China. The foundation’s long-term mission is to provide educational opportunities for children in the United States and China.

Yao’s work with WildAid has made measurable impact. Experts estimate that demand for shark fin soup in China has decreased by as much as 80% as a result of their joint efforts. Today, Yao and WildAid are focusing on the illegal ivory trade. After several years of bringing attention to the issue, prices and demand for ivory in China are now on the decline.

In April 2016, Yao was elected into the Basketball Hall of Fame, alongside Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson. In February 2017, Yao was unanimously elected as chairman of the Chinese Basketball Association.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 08/21/2024.

Yao Ming Videos

  • Yao Ming's 2016 Hall of Fame Induction Speech
    Check out Yao Ming's full hall of fame speech. About the NBA: The NBA is the premier professional basketball league in the United States and...
  • Beijing 2022 Ambassador Yao Ming delivers speech - YouTube

Speaker Lists Featuring Yao Ming

FAQs on booking Yao Ming

  • How do I book Yao Ming to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Yao Ming for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Yao Ming, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Yao Ming or any other speaker of your choice.
  • What are the speaker fees for Yao Ming

    Speaking fees for Yao Ming, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Yao Ming are for live events and for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Yao Ming, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Yao Ming speak about?

    Yao Ming is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Animals & Wildlife, Athlete, Basketball, Conservation, Fitness, Olympic Athlete, Sports, Sports Motivation.
  • Where does Yao Ming travel from?

    Yao Ming generally travels from Shanghai, Belgium, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Yao Ming for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Yao Ming for your next private or corporate function.
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Yao Ming is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics . The estimated speaking fee range to book Yao Ming for your event is $100,000 - $200,000. Yao Ming generally travels from ShanghaiBelgium and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Liang Wenchong, Tony Finau, Brooks Koepka, Eileen Gu and Webb Simpson. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Yao Ming for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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