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While Yao Ming’s season and future remain in limbo, the Rockets Center has continued talks relating to the purchase of the Shanghai Sharks basketball club.
A source with knowledge of the discussions confirmed for KPRC Local 2 Sports Wednesday morning that Yao is aggressively moving forward and may not be the only investor involved in the talks.
According to reports out of China, Yao would like to step up and provide nearly 3 million dollars to help save the club from exiting the Chinese Basketball Association because of tough economic conditions.
The Shanghai Daily reported that Erik Zhang, who heads Team Yao, told a Chinese website, ” It’s not the right time yet to talk about a deal.’
Meanwhile, the Xinhua news agency reports that a group representing Yao signed an agreement to transfer shares of the Shanghai Sharks to Yao to cover the next two months.
Yao played with the Sharks for 5 seasons before the Rockets drafted him before the 2002 season. The deal will not close until the CBA gives its final approval according to reports in China and the United States.
While Yao and his inner circle have yet to announce plans regarding his injured left foot, KPRC Local 2 Sports first reported on July 3 that a surgery option had been decided upon that would keep him out of the 2009-2010 season. His fractured left foot could also play a role in his NBA future.
Yao and his representatives have not yet responded to messages left by KPRC Local 2.
