Most people think of Shaquille O’Neal as a four-time NBA champion who now works as a pundit, but there’s much more to the giant baller than a legendary career and guest appearances in mosh pits at the Tomorrowland music festival.
Behind the comedic sports personality is an astute businessman and that credits Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos’ investment strategy to his tremendous post-career wealth growth.
Since his retirement, the big man has invested his cash in everything from tech companies to high-end real estate, subsequently amassing a fortune worth an estimated US$400 million. Below is a breakdown of the smart assets that contribute to Shaquille O’Neal’s net worth.
Tech Guru
Shaq has an eye for a good investment and got in early on some of the biggest tech companies in the world.
He invested in Google pre-IPO (through a chance encounter at an LA hotel – an epic story in itself).
A fan of Ring, a doorbell camera home security system, Shaq tracked down the inventor and bought into the business. When Amazon acquired Ring for over US$1 billion, O’Neal pocketed a tidy little profit.
He also has shares in Apple and San Francisco startup Loyal3, an online stockbroking firm.
Restaurant King
The big man has a big appetite, so it’s no surprise he owns a number of different restaurant franchises across America.
He once owned 155 Five Guys Restaurants, almost 10% of the company’s entire portfolio.
He owns 17 Auntie Anne’s, one Krispy Kreme franchise in Atlanta and a Big Chicken restaurant in Las Vegas.
Shaq recently joined Papa John’s board of directors and is set to invest in nine stores as well as earn US$8.25 million for a three-year endorsem*nt deal.
Not only does O’Neal own a number of businesses, but he’s not afraid to put his mug on anything that can help increase his brand.
He’s the face of global cruise line Carnival Cruises, and has appeared in commercials and advertising programs for The General auto insurance, fast food company Taco Bell, and Vitamin Water.
Shaq also favours products that emphasise size, with Monster Speakers, Mr. Big Candy Bar and Buick automaker all part of the NBA legend’s sizeable endorsem*nts.
He’s appeared in commercials representing Pepsi, Bonanza, Nestle Crunch and Reebok.
There are five Shaq music records, with his debut Shaq Diesel platinum-certified.
As well as being a regular in the NBA Live and 2K series, he’s starred in his own video games Shaq Fu andShaq Fu: A Legend Reborn, although as you can likely presume from the titles, both are fairly average.
Real Estate Mogul
Athletes often invest in real estate, but few have had as much success as O’Neal.
Shaq created The O’Neal Group in 2006 with his first venture being the residential high rise The Met Miami.
He’s part owner in a number of nightclubs in Las Vegas.
He owns forty, 24 Hour Fitness locations and has put his personal touch into each gym to make them unique.
He also owns a number of properties in his hometown of Newark, New Jersey – including a CityPlex12 movie theatre.
While Shaquille O'Neal made his fortune as a basketball player, most of Shaquille O'Neal's net worth today comes from his business ventures. Most of his assets are likely in franchises, including Papa John's, 24 Hour Fitness, Krispy Kreme, and car washes.
While Shaquille O'Neal made his fortune as a basketball player, most of Shaquille O'Neal's net worth today comes from his business ventures. Most of his assets are likely in franchises, including Papa John's, 24 Hour Fitness, Krispy Kreme, and car washes.
At 7 feet 1 inch tall and weighing over 300 pounds during his NBA career, it's not uncommon for individuals of such size to have larger-than-average feet to support their frame effectively. Shaq's shoe size of 22 is indeed remarkable and has become part of his iconic persona both on and off the basketball court.
Much of Shaq's money came through his NBA career. He earned $292 million from his NBA contracts and an estimated $200 million in endorsem*nts while he was playing. Today, much of his wealth comes from his new business endeavors and a multiyear television deal with Warner Bros.
With your generosity, we raised more than $3.1 million dollars to instill hope and bring about change in communities. Your support creates pathways to a brighter future for underserved youth and to help them achieve their full potential.
You might know of O'Neal's impressive portfolio of franchises from his regular appearances in various commercials. O'Neal has owned as many as 40 24 Hour Fitness gyms, 150 car washes, 155 Five Guys Burger & Fries, nine Papa John's, 17 Auntie Anne's pretzels and a few Krispy Kreme restaurants.
“Save, save, save. Put away a piece of every paycheck,” Shaq says. “Even if it is only $50 or $100, it will add up throughout the year.” That's smart money advice, especially if you put your money into a high-yield savings account that earns compound interest.
The tallest NBA player ever is Gheorghe Mureșan, standing at an imposing height of 7 feet 7 inches (231 cm). Born in Romania, Mureșan played in the NBA from 1993 to 2000, primarily with the Washington Bullets/Wizards and the New Jersey Nets. His towering presence was unmatched on the court.
While Hernández holds the record for largest feet among the living, the record for the biggest feet ever goes to Robert Wadlow, who wore a size 37AA shoe (his feet measured at 18.5 inches each).
Former NBA point guard Magic Johnson is now a billionaire, joining fellow NBA players Michael Jordan and LeBron James as well as golfer Tiger Woods as the only athletes to do so.
Known as a true NBA legend, Shaquille 'Shaq' O'Neal has an estimated worth of $500 million in 2024. He's a mammoth at 7-foot-1-inch and 325 pounds, who ruled the NBA for 19 seasons.
Shaquille O'Neal's off-court accolades rival his athletic accomplishments, having found success in acting, music, television and gaming. Currently, Shaq is an analyst on Inside The NBA. Philanthropically, Shaquille's relationship with the Boys & Girls Club of America dates back to his youth in New Jersey.
The Shaquille O'Neal Foundation creates pathways for underserved youth to help them achieve their full potential. The Foundation works to instill hope and bring about change in communities, collectively shaping a brighter future for our children.
I went to my favorite store, Walmart, and we did a deal.” What's more, Shaq opened up about the success of the shoe. During the 2021 interview, Shaq revealed that he had sold 400 million pairs of shoes since launching his own brand, and that number continues to rise as they are still available for purchase at Walmart.
He's invested in real estate, restaurants, technology, and entertainment ventures. Some notable investments include owning multiple Five Guys franchises, a minority stake in the Sacramento Kings, and involvement in various tech startups. Shaq's also worked as a TV analyst and has a successful line of branded products.
He also owns 17 Auntie Anne's Pretzels restaurants and nine Papa John's franchise units. In fact, O'Neal is a brand ambassador for Papa John's and has been on the pizza company's board of directors since 2019.
As reported by Findingfuel.com, these include 17 Auntie Annie's Pretzels restaurants, nine Papa John's, one Krispy Kreme and a Big Chicken restaurant that is being franchised.
Currently the NBA's highest-paid active player, LeBron James reached billionaire status in 2022, according to Forbes. And he's certainly not waiting for retirement to expand his empire.
Introduction: My name is Allyn Kozey, I am a outstanding, colorful, adventurous, encouraging, zealous, tender, helpful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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