Overview

• Yao Ming has stepped down as head of China's national basketball league after serving in the role since 2017
• The Chinese Basketball Association gave no reason for Yao's resignation but said "it was time for new leadership"
• The CBA has faced corruption allegations in recent years, banning two teams from the finals last month for "unsporting conduct"
• Yao Ming's replacement will be veteran Chinese sports journalist Xu Jicheng
• China's basketball and football leagues have struggled with corruption and ownership issues