Report: Yao Ming Interested In Buying The Los Angeles Clippers

Nov 18, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chinese former pro basketball player Yao Ming (left) talks with Second-ranked vice premier peoples republic of China Liu Yandong during the Charlotte Bobcats and Chicago Bulls game at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

With the news that Donald Sterling has agreed to allow his wife to negotiate a sale of ownership in the Los Angeles Clippers, former Houston Rocket center Yao Ming has surfaced as a possible suitor.

According to Bill Simmons, Yao, along with a group of investors from China, are likely to make a strong push.

One more wildcard suitor: hearing Yao Ming is putting together a group of wealthy Chinese investors to make a serious run at the Clips.

— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) May 23, 2014

Since his retirement in 2011, Yao has been owner of the Shanghai Sharks, his original team, of the Chinese Basketball Association, while being involved in several humanitarian projects such as his anti-shark fin campaign.

He still has many ties with the NBA, and the presence and impact he made as a player to bridge the gaps among different cultures serve as a positive for commissioner Adam Silver’s ideal fit.