Li Na making "big money" on reality TV in China

By Jonathan Scott Apr 17, 2017
Style Points

Adrian Mannarino has a clothing sponsor! Lefty to debut with Celio at Mutua Madrid Open

By Baseline Staff Apr 25, 2024
Your Game

Geared Up: Rafael Nadal plays out his illustrious career with Babolat and Nike

By Baseline Staff Apr 25, 2024
Pop Culture

Review: Plenty to be excited about in TopSpin 2K25, which successfully recreates the joy (and frustration) of tennis

By Stephanie Livaudais and Spencer Thordarson Apr 24, 2024
Pop Culture

Coco Gauff dishes on 'embracing adulthood' in TIME magazine's May cover story

By Baseline Staff Apr 24, 2024
Pick of the Day

Roberto Carballes Baena vs. Dominik Koepfer, Madrid

By Zachary Cohen Apr 24, 2024
Line Calls

ATP Mutua Madrid Open Betting Preview

By Baseline Staff Apr 24, 2024
Social

It's a girl! Belinda Bencic welcomes her first child, a daughter named Bella

By Baseline Staff Apr 24, 2024
Pop Culture

Zendaya, Josh O'Connor and Mike Faist on the steamy love triangle of Challengers

By Associated Press Apr 23, 2024
Line Calls

WTA Mutua Madrid Open Betting Preview

By Baseline Staff Apr 23, 2024

Li Na making "big money" on reality TV in China

Li is set to also start her own TV production company.

ByJonathan Scott

Published Apr 17, 2017

Li Na: reality television star.

That may seem an unlikely undertaking for the retired Chinese, a far cry for the WTA star since she hung up her racquets as a professional player in September 2014, but it's the truth.In a recent CNN piece, Li's agent, IMG's Max Eisenbud, says she has "made some really big money" on Chinese reality TV programs.

Opportunities to further her personal brand's visibility and pad her earnings have come easily since Li retired.

"We pass on many things," says Eisenbud, notably also Maria Sharapova's agent. "It is just crazy how much interest there is."

A feature-length film based on Li's life remains in the works, with her countryman Peter Chan Ho-sun as director. Conveniently, Chan is also represented by IMG. Li signed on as consultant for the movie, which should start production yet this year.

Advertising

"I always call her the Billie Jean King of that country, [as] she's a true pioneer," Eisenbud tells CNN. Per that same story, Li is set to start her own TV production company, with potential for she and her husband, commonly known as Dennis, playing various sports with other athletes in China. (Michael Jordan versus Mia Hamm quickly springs to mind.)

Advertising

Game on. Everyone will definitely be watching.

Follow Jon on Twitter @jonscott9.