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NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 14: Shaquille O’Neal attends the ESPN Gala: “30 For 30: This Magic Moment” Screening during the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival at SVA Theatre on April 14, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Pont/WireImage)
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NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 14: Shaquille O’Neal attends the ESPN Gala: “30 For 30: This Magic Moment” Screening during the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival at SVA Theatre on April 14, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Pont/WireImage)
For an NBA player to be able to say that they own a piece of a franchise in the league, is the biggest achievement of all. Of course, it doesn’t come with too many perks and power, but the flex is real. And only a handful of players are able to live this dream. While Michael Jordan is living this experience to the fullest after he bought the Charlotte Hornets and gained 97 percent control over it, Shaquille O’Neal was part of this experience too, but it quickly came to an end.
However, Shaq has now explained the reason behind this decision.
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Shaquille O’Neal found a better opportunity
In 2013, O’Neal became a partial owner of the Sacramento Kings, the last time they were up for sale. During this time, the value of the team has increased drastically. From being a franchise whose valuation stood at $534 million is now valued at $1.8 billion. Of course, the Kings aren’t the best team in the league. Their 15 season playoff drought is enough to put anyone off.
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LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 18: Shaquille O’Neal arrives ahead of the 2018 NBA All-Star Game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on February 18, 2018. (Photo by Philip Pacheco/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
While speculations were that Shaq might have had a falling out with the Kings’ majority owner, Vivek Ranadive, which is why he is selling his stakes. The real story is something else. In fact, something that can bring the legendary player even more money than this.
As per Complex, “His decision to divest his stake in the Kings was a painful, albeit necessary one in order to pursue a new venture that was too good to pass up. O’Neal’s now a brand ambassador for the WynnBET sports gambling app.”
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What is his role as a brand ambassador?
From commercials, print, to digital mediums, Shaq will be a part of their advertising campaign, becoming the face of the brand. As mentioned, he sold his stake in the franchise with a heavy heart, but this could turn out to be a lucrative deal.
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SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 24: Shaquille O’Neal attends 2019 NBA Awards at Barker Hangar on June 24, 2019 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/WireImage)
This is Shaq after all. He has a way with the audience and there is no way the company won’t succeed with his name all over it. In fact, this might eventually help Shaq buy more shares in this or any other franchise later on. So much that he might actually have a say in the decisions that they make as an organization. Do you think this can happen?
READ MORE: Shaquille O’Neal Displays Lavish Lifestyle in Las Vegas
