NBA and Yao Ming to open basketball school in Beijing

Yao Ming

NBA China has announced a deal with former player Yao Ming to start first-ever NBA Yao School in the country to provide basketball training and fitness programs for boys and girls up to age 16.

The school will be situated in Beijing and was announced in the press conference held in the city which was attended by the lights of NBA Commissioner David Stern, NBA Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver and Yao Ming.

“It has always been my dream to positively impact the lives of youth through sports participation. Basketball fans in China are passionate and eager to participate in high-standard basketball training programs. I look forward to working with the NBA to establish the NBA Yao School as a trusted destination for basketball training. I am also excited to extend our partnership with the NBA and demonstrate our joint commitment to youth development,” said Yao.

Stern added that the NBA is delighted to continue its association with Yao and China.

“When Yao retired, he said he was leaving the court but not the game, and he remains an extraordinary ambassador for our sport. We are honored to continue working with Yao to grow and develop basketball in China,” he said.

The school will be developed and operated by Yao with NBA legends and players making visits occasionally to give specialized instructions.