HOUSTON - Houston Rockets star Yao Ming is now a father.

The 7-foot-6 Yao and his wife, Ye Li, had a baby girl on Friday at a Houston hospital, team spokesman Nelson Luis said. The couple, who married in August 2007, did not announce the baby's name. She weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces.

"I am very excited about the arrival of our daughter," Yao said. "This is a very special moment in our lives and we thank everyone for their kindness and support."