With a net worth of $500 million, Shaquille O’Neal has nearly everything a man could dream of. Yet, there’s one wish that remains unfulfilled despite his fortune. Over the past few years, he has made several strategic decisions and investments to realize his dream of owning an NBA team. While Big Aristotle’s old friend has already made history, O’Neal is struggling to buy ownership stakes as he eyes the anticipated new Las Vegas team set to debut in the NBA.

His former teammate, Matt Walsh, just surpassed the media veteran, as reported by the Inquirer. He spent a considerable amount of time hanging out with Shaq, so perhaps some inspiration was passed along. But when Walsh was first presented with the idea of owning the New Zealand Breakers, an ABL (Australia Basketball League) team competing on the global stage, he was more than thrilled and immediately knew his answer.

Under the guidance of Jason Levien, owner of MLS team D.C. United, Walsh put in the hard work and effort, getting his feet wet in team ownership. The Auckland-based team recently played against the Philadelphia 76ers. 

Walsh, who grew up in Philadelphia, with his presence in the Breakers organization brings more attention to the team than ever. While he mostly played in Europe, he spent three months with the NBA’s Miami Heat after going undrafted.

Walsh previously attended Germantown Academy in Montgomery before moving on to the University of Florida. Though the Breakers couldn’t secure a win against the Sixers in the exhibition game, they certainly left a strong impression. Still, Shaquille O’Neal wishes to build a new team in the NBA.

Shaquille O’Neal dreams of owning an NBA team

Why hasn’t the Los Angeles Lakers legend bought an NBA team ownership stake yet? He has already sold his ownership stake in the Sacramento Kings, it might be that O’Neal is waiting for the right time and opportunity. First and foremost, he wants to own an NBA team by himself. The second key factor is Las Vegas.

Both LeBron James and Shaq have expressed interest in Las Vegas, though the city has yet to secure an NBA team. Unfortunately, it still has quite a way to go. There’s also talk that Las Vegas could become home to the most expensive NBA team ever, sparking a fierce bidding war. “I know Vegas hasn’t been awarded an NBA team yet but if they ever get to a point where they are awarded a team, I would like to be a part of that. I don’t want to partner up with nobody. I want it all for myself,” O’Neal said.

We already have some of the strongest contenders, including O’Neal and billionaire James. As per reports, the expansion fee and the cost of a new stadium could total up to $7 billion. If that is right, this would break the record set by Josh Harris’ group, which paid $6.05 billion to acquire the NFL’s Washington Commanders. This would make the competition for a Las Vegas team even more intense.