Why They Rank
Opened the Chinese market for the NBA ($4B+ in value). Shanghai Sharks owner. CBA president. Peak endorsement income of $20M/year in China. Most financially important Asian athlete in basketball history.
The Fortune
Yao Ming earned approximately $93 million in NBA salary over nine seasons with the Houston Rockets, but his financial impact extends far beyond his playing earnings. As the first Chinese player to become an NBA superstar, Yao opened the Chinese market for basketball in ways that generated billions in revenue for the league. His endorsement portfolio in China was the most valuable in the country's history: Nike, Apple, Coca-Cola, Visa, and McDonald's all signed him to major deals, and his annual endorsement income peaked at over $20 million.
Yao purchased the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association in 2009 and has served as president of the Chinese Basketball Association since 2017. He is arguably the most influential figure in Asian basketball history, and his business interests in China span restaurants, wine importation, and sports management.
Yao's career was tragically shortened by foot injuries, which limited him to just eight healthy seasons. Had he played a full career, his financial trajectory would likely have reached $500 million or more. Even so, his net worth of $160 million reflects the enormous commercial value of being a 7'6" basketball player in a market of 1.4 billion people.
Wealth Source
NBA salary, endorsements, Shanghai Sharks ownership, CBA presidency
Top Endorsements
Fun Facts
When Yao was drafted by the Rockets in 2002, the NBA's television viewership in China increased by over 300%, creating a market worth billions.
He was 7'6" and 310 pounds, making him one of the tallest and heaviest players in NBA history -- his shoe size was 18.
He has a degree in economics from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, which he earned while playing in the NBA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the richest athlete of all time?
Michael Jordan is the richest athlete of all time with an estimated net worth of $3.5 billion. His wealth comes primarily from the Jordan Brand, the sale of the Charlotte Hornets, and decades of endorsement deals. His NBA playing salary was just $94 million -- a fraction of his total fortune.
How do athletes build wealth beyond their playing salary?
The wealthiest athletes build wealth through endorsement deals, equity stakes in companies, brand ownership, franchise ownership, venture capital, and real estate. The key insight is taking equity over flat endorsement fees whenever possible -- turning short-term fame into long-term compounding assets.
Which athletes are billionaires?
As of 2026, four athletes have confirmed billionaire status: Michael Jordan ($3.5B), Tiger Woods ($1.3B), LeBron James ($1.2B), and Magic Johnson ($1.2B). Several others are approaching the threshold, including Arnold Palmer's estate ($875M), Lionel Messi ($650M), and Michael Schumacher ($600M).
Get Glen’s Updates
Investing insights, new tools, and whatever I’m building this week. Free. No spam.
Unsubscribe anytime. I respect your inbox more than Congress respects property rights.
Keep Exploring
Top 25 Richest Athletes
See the full ranked list of the wealthiest athletes of all time.
Read moreTop 25 Basketball Players
The greatest basketball players of all time, ranked.
Read moreBillionaires & Icons
Profiles of the world's most successful investors and builders.
Read moreGreatest Trades Ever
The most legendary investment decisions in financial history.
Read moreTop 25 Value Investors
The greatest value investors of all time, ranked.
Read moreCelebrity Superpowers
Every celebrity has a superpower. We identified all of them.
Read more