NBA Legend Yao Ming Makes Announcement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jan 15, 2026 10:33 PM ET

It has been more than 15 years since Yao Ming last played in the NBA. His final game for the Houston Rockets was on Nov. 10, 2010, in a loss against the Washington Wizards. The 7-foot-6 center went scoreless in that game in just six minutes of action. He was ruled out for the remainder of the contest due to a strained tendon in his left leg/ankle. That turned out to be his final game of the season and of his career.

Ming struggled with injuries toward the latter part of his career. He dealt with multiple foot and knee injuries throughout his time in the NBA, but it was a third stress fracture in his left ankle that forced him into early retirement. The eight-time All-Star announced his retirement in July 2011 at the age of 30.

NBA legend Yao Ming looks on during the game between China and Spain in women’s basketball.John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports via Imagn Images

Since retiring from the NBA, Ming has established several businesses both within and away from basketball. Most notably, he purchased his former team in the Chinese Basketball Association, the Shanghai Sharks, in 2009. The team was facing financial difficulties at that time, and Ming swooped in to become the owner of the team he suited up for before he was drafted into the NBA.

Ming also owns a successful wine business, Yao Family Wines, which he established back in 2011. It is branded as a premium winery based in Napa Valley, California, which is a popular wine region known for its world-class wines.

“A shared bottle of wine reminds me of Chinese meals at home, which are served on what Americans call a ‘Lazy Susan,’” he said, via the company’s website. “The food is placed in the middle of the table and shared. In the US, each person chooses their own meal, so the wine is what brings people together. It is shared and brings a common element to the meal.”

On Thursday, Ming made an announcement via the Yao Family Wines social media account about a new product.

“We are proud to announce the release of our Limited Edition Year of the Horse California Red Blend!” the announcement read.

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According to the post, this new wine is “luscious, stunning, and smooth.” They released the product in time for the Lunar New Year on Feb. 17. Only 50 cases are available. The bottle retails at $98 each and is available for purchase via their website.

Ming played 486 games in the NBA through eight seasons. He holds career averages of 19.0 points on 52.4% shooting, 9.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.9 blocks. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2016.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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