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

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.

"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.)

Game on. Everyone will definitely be watching.

Follow Jon on Twitter @jonscott9.