Shaquille O’Neal is one of the select few athletes who have excellent business acumen to complement their on-court prowess. After dominating the court for years, the former Los Angeles Lakers superstar shifted his main focus to business ventures following his retirement. Over the years, Shaq has made several investments that have brought him immense profit. Additionally, the Big Aristotle also has multiple business franchises that are successfully running in several locations across the country. However, one of the most significant investments would be his partnership with a company called Authentic Brands Group, that has helped Shaq to tie his name with that of the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali.

After Shaq retired from the league, he became an NBA analyst on Inside the NBA. Apart from that, the four-time NBA champion is also a successful businessman with a net worth of around $600 million, part of which came from Shaq’s investment in ABG.

Shaquille O’Neal gains millions, thanks to several legends

Shaquille O’Neal has created a colossal business empire with strategic ideas and investments. One particular venture has enabled Shaq to own several big names from the entertainment and sports industry who are long gone. Yes, you read that right. The Diesel owns the royalties to deceased celebrities, which are worth $135 million. Authentic Brands Group is a brand managing company that manages names and likeness of celebrities such as Elvis Presley and Muhammad Ali.

In 2015, Shaq Diesel signed a contract with ABP giving them the marketing rights, according to a report from earlier this year. Shaq, being the businessman he is, gradually began buying the company’s shares. Over the years, Shaq not only became the second-largest shareholder of the company, but also owned a percentage of their royalties of Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Forever 21, and Muhammad Ali.

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While the Superman is not ready to compete with billionaire Jeff Bezos, it might be safe to call him the ‘Jeff Bezos’ of the sports world.

Shaquille O’Neal is intimidated by Jeff Bezos

Following the huge controversy, Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver announced that he would be selling the Suns and Mercury. Once the news went viral, names of several potential buyers were discussed on various platforms. Amidst all that, Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal expressed his wish to buy the shares of the franchise. However, he later admittedly backed out upon hearing that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos was involved in negotiations.

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Shaq later said in an interview with TMZ Sports, “Nobody on this planet can compete with Big Man JB. Because you know what? I just ordered 50 things off Amazon today. Big Man JB got that money coming in!”