Trending number one! 45-year-old Yao Ming is now receiving his pension! Having played 9 years in the NBA, how much can he collect?

The 2025 NBA China Games, with two matches in Macau, have come to an end.

Let's first discuss Zeng Fanbo.

He only played 10 minutes and 6 seconds in the first game of the China Games (0 attempts, 0 points), and last night’s second game saw him sitting on the bench the whole time.

Consequently, the Nets faced criticism, and head coach Jordy Fernandez was also blamed...

What is Dige’s opinion on this?

The world isn’t simply black or white; it depends on how you approach and perceive the problem.

This was a home game, and as fans of the Chinese national basketball team, everyone had their own biases, which is understandable. Everyone was mainly concerned about whether young Zeng could get playing time, so the post-game anger is comprehensible.

But what about Jordy’s perspective? He is the head coach.

“I already gave you a chance in the last game, but you didn’t make good use of it.”

“For a coach to earn respect and maintain control in the locker room, you can’t keep giving green lights repeatedly.”

After the first game, his remarks were already quite “tactful.”

To put it plainly, young Zeng failed to seize the opportunity.

In the harsh NBA environment, 10 minutes of court time is already significant. However, his performance was disastrous, especially on defense.

Another point to note is that although last night’s game was a commercial preseason match, the intensity between the two teams was almost as high as a regular-season game.

The score was close, and both sides wanted to win.

Zeng Fanbo’s current condition means he can’t play.

Not putting him on the court is also a form of protection from some perspectives.

Improving oneself is the best way to solve problems; that’s all for young Zeng’s situation.

The main thing now is to watch his future path and choices.

The NBA China Games are not just two matches; they are a grand gathering.

It was truly a star-studded event, with guests like Jackie Chan, Beckham, and Shaquille O’Neal attending...

During the NBA China Games, Yao Ming was interviewed and said:

“I’m excited to see many friends here, for example, Nets assistant coach Howard, who was my old teammate with the Rockets, and you know, I just retired and am now working with the players’ union, like Iguodala. I need to talk with him about my pension and many other things.”

One more fact: Yige currently serves as the Executive Director of the NBA Players Association.

Yao Ming’s comments quickly pushed him to the top of trending topics, with the hashtag:#YaoMingStartsCollectingPension

Why such a buzz? People are just envious.

Today, let’s mainly discuss this topic, focusing on the NBA pension system.

According to NBA pension rules, two conditions must be met:First, the player must be at least 45 years old; second, they must have played in the NBA for at least 3 years (with actual game appearances).

Yao Ming, born in 1980, has just turned 45 and played 9 years in the NBA, so he qualifies to receive the NBA pension.

Now the point everyone is curious about: how much can he get?

The answer depends on Yao’s choice.

Another interesting point is:

Other Chinese NBA players eligible for the NBA pension include Yi Jianlian(who hasn’t reached the age yet)Wang Zhizhi and Bateer, as they have enough years of service.

Players can choose when to start collecting; early withdrawal results in a lower amount, while delaying increases earnings.

Tier one: Ages 45-50, $306.24 × years of service × 2/3.

Tier two: Ages 50-62, $306.24 × years of service.

Tier three: Above 62, $1666.7 × years of service.

For example, Yao can start collecting now, which, by the formula, amounts to $1,838 per month, or $22,000 annually.

The tiered structure is clear; if he waits until after 62, the amount will be even greater.

So, the next question: where does this money come from?

First, the NBA has a players’ union, and there has always been labor-management negotiation.

Therefore, the player protection system has evolved over time.

Currently,NBA players contribute 4% of their salary, matched by the league’s 4%, both going into the pension fund.

In the 2011 labor agreement, the league also agreed to inject 1% of basketball-related revenue annually1% as a supplement, using part of current players’ income to support retired players’ pensions.

Who manages and oversees this fund?

The NBA league and the players’ union jointly manage the trust fund, which is legally protected. This means even if the Rockets cease operations in the future, Yao’s pension won’t be affected.

Yao’s remarks on the show were clearly made with humorous intent; for someone already financially free, this pension is a small sum, likely not even enough to cover a meal invitation.

However, it reflects the world’s most successful basketball league’s respect for its players.

According to Sports Illustrated, about 60% of NBA players face bankruptcy within five years after retirement.

The main reasons include divorce-related asset division and alimony, failed investments, reckless spending, and lack of financial planning, as previously mentioned with Ariza.

This highlights the importance of the pension system.

Although this money can’t fully prevent financial collapse caused by overspending or marital breakdowns among retired players,

it can at least cover basic living expenses.

Additionally, players who have served in the NBA for10 yearsare eligible for lifetime medical benefits for their immediate family provided by the league.

This policy is separate from the player’s personal health insurance, which is available to those with at least 3 years of service, while family benefits require a longer service period.

This is the superiority of the NBA system...