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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 14: Shaquille O’Neal onstage at The Comedy Central Roast of Justin Bieber at Sony Pictures Studios on March 14, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 14: Shaquille O’Neal onstage at The Comedy Central Roast of Justin Bieber at Sony Pictures Studios on March 14, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 14: Shaquille O’Neal onstage at The Comedy Central Roast of Justin Bieber at Sony Pictures Studios on March 14, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 14: Shaquille O’Neal onstage at The Comedy Central Roast of Justin Bieber at Sony Pictures Studios on March 14, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Despite branching out into various avenues, a truly successful businessman is always looking to grow. That is the crossroads Shaquille O’Neal finds himself at. While his brilliant career has given way to an even more outstanding post-basketball life, he continues to reinvent. Now, with reports of Magic Johnson eclipsing the billion-dollar mark, the fellow Los Angeles Laker would also like to join the list.
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Moreover, he already has a plan that could potentially lead him there.
Shaquille O’Neal in an ownership role – What does the big man think?
Since retiring, we’ve seen many phases to O’Neal. Whether it is the entertainer, the media mogul, the fast food expert, or the investor. One of the more unique routes that he chose to take was a passion project for him. That being his career as DJ Diesel.
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MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 21: Shaquille O’Neal looks on prior to a game between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on May 21, 2023, in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
However, he might finally have his eyes on a more traditional avenue for former athletes. Speaking to Rex Chapman on the?Owned?podcast, O’Neal laid down his desires for an ownership stake in the NBA.
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Alluding to the white whale that he’s chasing, Shaq says, “I’d like to be a majority owner of an NBA team, in Florida.” This dream for the 4-time Champion is far more desperate than just a regular deal. He was clear in selling that desire. “If they don’t wanna make me majority, I’ll take a minority stake…And, not the team I won a championship with.”?
After being drafted in Florida with the Orlando Magic, his ties to the state and city, in particular, are understandable. However, with his desire so apparent, it might just be a matter of when rather than if.
With the news of Magic looming in the background, the 7-footer would surely look to follow suit. He has also paid credence to taking up the same role with a potential Vegas expansion team.?
Magic Johnson becomes third basketballer to join the billion-dollar club
Perhaps appropriately, Michael Jordan and LeBron James were the first two to join the elite list. While Michael, through some outstanding post-basketball investments has multiplied his net worth, James began the journey while still an active player.
However, with Magic joining them, a common thread for all three has been ownership stakes. Even though LeBron is yet to join the ranks of NBA ownership, he has a stake in the English Premier League. Similarly, Johnson’s ownership duties have taken him to the WNBA, NFL, and MLB.
Now, with Shaq’s sights set on an ownership position, a 4th name could join the elusive list.