Ye Li is the wife of famous NBA legend Yao Ming. She is a former Chinese professional basketball player known for her achievements on the court and her towering presence beside her husband. Ye Li’s dedication to basketball started at an early age and continued throughout her youth and adult life.
She played in China’s Women’s Basketball Association (WCBA) for the Shanghai Octopus team. Internationally, she represented China in multiple tournaments, including the 2004 Athens Olympics.
Meeting Yao Ming at the Shanghai Youth Sports School in 1998 marked the beginning of a partnership that would capture media attention worldwide. Ye Li’s athletic career and her marriage to Yao have made her a recognizable name internationally.
Biography Table of Yao Ming’s Wife
Here is a detailed table showing Ye Li’s biography:
Attribute | Details |
Full Name | Ye Li |
Date of Birth | November 20, 1981 |
Age | 43 years (as of 2025) |
Place of Birth | Shanghai, China |
Nationality | Chinese |
Profession | Former Professional Basketball Player |
Education | University of Houston |
Height | 6 feet 3 inches (190 cm) |
Weight | 83 kg (183 lbs) |
Spouse | Yao Ming (m. 2007) |
Children | Yao Qinlei |
Major Achievements | Represented China in 2004 Summer Olympics |
@yelidmk |
Yao Ming Wife Height and Weight
The keyword “Yao Ming wife height” gets a lot of attention because Ye Li herself is impressively tall. Ye Li’s height is 6 feet 3 inches (190 cm). She weighs about 83 kg (183 lbs).
When standing next to Yao Ming, who is 7 feet 6 inches (229 cm), Ye Li still appears tall and statuesque. Their height difference looks perfectly natural due to Ye Li’s tall stature.
Here’s a simple comparison:
Person | Height |
Yao Ming | 7 feet 6 inches (229 cm) |
Ye Li | 6 feet 3 inches (190 cm) |
Their daughter is expected to be tall too, thanks to these strong genes! The discussion around Yao Ming wife height remains a fascinating topic among sports and entertainment fans.
Why is Yao Ming’s Wife Famous?
Ye Li gained fame for two major reasons:
- Her own success as a basketball player for China.
- Being the wife of one of the tallest and most iconic NBA players in history, Yao Ming.
The relationship between two star athletes made headlines, especially given the combined impact of Yao Ming wife height compared to other celebrity couples. Their union symbolizes dedication to sport, family values, and Chinese pride.
Besides sports, their public appearances, charity work, and events like promoting the Special Olympics also increased Ye Li’s popularity.
What is Yao Ming’s Wife’s Net Worth?
Although Ye Li’s individual net worth isn’t widely reported, it is estimated that her personal earnings from her basketball career and endorsements are significant. Her husband Yao Ming’s net worth is estimated at $120 million as of 2025.
Combined, they live a very wealthy and comfortable lifestyle. Ye Li supports various causes and helps manage family wealth alongside Yao Ming’s business ventures, including ownership in the Shanghai Sharks basketball team.
In short, while Yao Ming’s wealth is larger, Ye Li’s career added respect and financial stability to their family fortune.
What is Yao Ming’s Wife’s Age?
Ye Li was born on November 20, 1981, in Shanghai, China. As of 2025, Ye Li is 43 years old.
Despite her age, Ye Li maintains a youthful, athletic appearance, showing how her background in professional sports keeps her healthy and active even after retirement.

Yao Ming’s Wife Biography
Let’s take a detailed look at the life of Ye Li.
Early Life
Ye Li was raised in Shanghai, a city known for its cultural richness and love for sports. She grew up in a family that encouraged sports, allowing her to develop her basketball skills from a very early age.
As a tall child, Ye Li found her natural calling in basketball. Her height set her apart, and coaches noticed her potential when she was very young.
Education
Ye Li not only focused on basketball but also on her education. She attended the University of Houston in the United States, where she learned more about basketball techniques, team management, and the cultural aspects of playing internationally. Her education helped her transition smoothly into life outside of sports after her retirement.
Family
Ye Li married Yao Ming in August 2007 in a private ceremony attended by family and close friends. The couple shares a strong bond and mutual respect for each other’s careers and lives.
They have one daughter, Yao Qinlei, born in Houston, Texas, in 2010. Family life is important to Ye Li, and she is known to prioritize family time over public appearances.
Personal Life
Ye Li and Yao Ming’s love story started when they were teenagers. Both attending the same sports school, they shared similar dreams and challenges. Their relationship remained strong even as Yao Ming’s career soared in the NBA.
Despite their fame, they live a relatively low-profile life, focusing on their daughter and charity efforts.
Lifestyle
Ye Li enjoys a quiet lifestyle away from the spotlight. She spends time on family activities, charity work, and health awareness projects. Thanks to Yao Ming’s business successes, they enjoy luxuries like a beautiful home, travel opportunities, and private events while maintaining simplicity.
Yao Ming’s Wife Media Presence
Ye Li is not very active on public social media. However, she does have an Instagram account: @yelidmk, where she occasionally shares family updates and personal moments.
Unlike many celebrity wives, she prefers keeping her life private and focuses on real-world connections rather than online popularity. Still, any appearance of Ye Li in public events, especially with Yao Ming, quickly makes news across China and global sports outlets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Yao Ming wife height?
Yao Ming wife height is 6 feet 3 inches (190 cm).
Did Ye Li play basketball internationally?
Yes, Ye Li played in the 2004 Summer Olympics representing China.
How did Ye Li and Yao Ming meet?
They met in 1998 at the Shanghai Youth Sports School.
Do they have children?
Yes, they have a daughter named Yao Qinlei, born in 2010.
What is Ye Li’s profession today?
Ye Li is retired from professional sports and focuses on family life and philanthropy.
Conclusion
Ye Li is more than just the wife of an NBA legend. She is a proud athlete, mother, and a woman of great stature in every sense. The fascination with Yao Ming wife height highlights the uniqueness of their relationship, where strength, love, and mutual respect have created a powerful partnership.
From dominating basketball courts to nurturing a beautiful family, Ye Li has gracefully embraced every chapter of her life. While she may not seek the spotlight, Ye Li’s legacy in sports and personal life continues to shine brightly.
Also, Read Zeus Net Worth, Age, Height, and Family