In a significant move that marks the end of an era for Chinese basketball, Yao Ming (姚明) has announced his resignation as President of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). After serving for seven years in this influential role, Yao, whose name has become synonymous with basketball in China, has decided to step down to focus on personal plans and the long-term development of the sport in the country.
During his tenure, which began in 2017, Yao played a pivotal role in shaping the modern landscape of Chinese basketball. His leadership was instrumental in advancing the sport at grassroots and professional levels, introducing key reforms, and driving a vision of basketball's growth in China. However, despite the many accomplishments, his time as CBA president was also marked by challenges, particularly on the international stage.
Yao Ming's Legacy: Transformation and Setbacks
When Yao Ming first took the reins of the Chinese Basketball Association in 2017, he inherited a sport that needed structural and systemic reform. As the former NBA All-Star and global basketball icon, Yao brought star power and a deep understanding of the game to the role. Under his leadership, the CBA witnessed several significant developments. The most notable was the push for a more professionalized league structure. Yao's efforts to reform the CBA league system included changes to the draft system, the introduction of more rigorous player development programs, and increased commercial expansion. The aim was to raise the domestic league level and ensure a steady pipeline of talent for the national teams.
One of the significant initiatives under his leadership was introducing the "dual national training teams" model, which aimed to enhance the training and performance of China's national basketball teams. This initiative was significant as the country sought to strengthen its competitive edge on the international stage. Yao also played a crucial role in promoting the integration of sports and education, creating a pathway for young athletes to develop their athletic and academic careers.
His focus on grassroots basketball was also evident in promoting "little basketball" and 3x3 basketball programs, encouraging wider nationwide participation. These efforts aligned with his vision of creating a solid basketball culture that would benefit players and fans alike.
Despite these achievements, the national teams under Yao's leadership struggled to replicate past successes. In particular, the Chinese men's national team faced disappointments at major international tournaments. In the 2019 FIBA World Cup, the Chinese men's team, hosting the event, finished with a dismal 2-3 record, placing 24th overall. In 2023, at the FIBA World Cup, the team finished 29th out of 32 teams, their worst performance in history, and once again failed to qualify for the Olympics. These results starkly contrasted with the glory days when Yao Ming, as a player, led China to its place among the world's basketball elite.
However, the women's national basketball team achieved notable success during Yao's leadership. Under his guidance, the Chinese women's team won silver at the 2022 FIBA World Cup, matching their best-ever finish. In 2023, they claimed the Asian Cup for the first time in 12 years, a testament to Yao's focus on fostering all aspects of the game, not just the men's program.
A Transition to New Leadership
As Yao Ming steps down from his role, he leaves behind a legacy of both significant progress and ongoing challenges. His successor, Guo Zhenming, a former deputy chairman of the CBA and a key figure in the association since 2022, will now take on the responsibility of guiding Chinese basketball into its next chapter. Guo, who has worked closely with Yao recently, expressed gratitude for Yao's efforts and the strong foundation he helped lay for the future of the sport in China.
In his acceptance speech, Guo Zhenming (郭振明) emphasized the weight of the responsibility ahead. He recognized that while Yao's tenure saw considerable reform, much remains to be done to ensure Chinese basketball's continued growth and international success. "The baton has now passed, and we will continue to work together with all basketball people to deepen reforms and contribute to the revitalization of the 'big three ball sports' and building a sports powerhouse," he said.
Guo and the CBA will now have to build upon Yao's reforms while addressing the national team's performance on the global stage. If they are to reclaim their former glory, both the men's and women's teams will need to focus on consistent development, particularly in areas like international exposure, talent development, and tactical advancement.
The Road Ahead for Chinese Basketball
Yao Ming's resignation marks a turning point, not just for the CBA but for Chinese basketball. His time as president was a period of significant change, during which the association attempted to modernize and professionalize the sport. While the results on the international stage have not always met expectations, Yao's work has undoubtedly laid a solid foundation for the future of the sport in China.
Looking ahead, the focus must shift toward building a more robust system for developing homegrown talent and fostering deeper competition at all levels. This includes strengthening youth basketball programs, improving coaching standards, and ensuring the CBA league is competitive globally. At the same time, maintaining the balance between professionalism and grassroots participation will be vital to sustaining the sport's growth across the nation.
Yao Ming's legacy is one of passion and determination. While he may be stepping away from the presidency, his influence on Chinese basketball is far from over. His global reputation and continued involvement in the sport will continue to be invaluable in shaping the future of basketball in China. For Yao, basketball will always remain a life-long passion, and his commitment to its development will no doubt persist in new forms.
As the sport enters this new chapter, Chinese basketball fans and stakeholders alike will be eager to see the future. The groundwork has been laid, and now it's time for the next generation to step up and take the game to new heights.
