If Shaquille O’Neal weren’t an NBA player, he would have been a business mogul for sure! He is business-savvy! From clever investments to brilliant business partnerships, the Lakers legend has quite the knowledge. However, in the midst of building his $500 million empire, he has always focused more on his fans and the people. He has never compromised on kindness and showing love. Through his various initiatives, O’Neal has ensured he gives back to the community. So, will this one priority change with his new principle?

Well, O’Neal himself is not familiar with this new rule. However, while discussing the ticket price hike by teams owned by billionaires, O’Neal had a less-than-surprising reaction. He said that this is just another aspect of maintaining a successful business. “I’ve heard I don’t know, to become a billionaire you have to be ruthless. I heard that they’re very ruthless people this listen this is a business before anything and again when you have a hot ticket sometimes you could make that dictation you can say hey we gonna raise the prices those who don’t like it leave, you always got consumers that will like it,” O’Neal said. 

Not just you but O’Neal’s explanation surprised Adam Lefkoe as well. Lefkoe added that he cannot imagine the Big Aristotle turning into that businessman who doesn’t care for the fans. But hear him out. O’Neal was quick to remind Lefkoe as well as the listeners that he won’t be the majority owner at that time. He added that he would try to keep the prices modest, but there’s one issue. 

He added, “I wouldn’t be the majority owner so I would have partners I would actually definitely try to mention to my partners like hey we need to make this a family oriented thing and try to keep the prices at a respectable level but again business first.” It’s not that O’Neal’s priorities will change but it seems more people will be involved in the business who will take the final call.

O’Neal also hopes to own an NBA team in the future. He previously held a minority stake in the Sacramento Kings. However, in 2022, O’Neal sold his ownership stake. As the NBA plans for expansion teams and Las Vegas is in talks, O’Neal seems to be eyeing the opportunity!

Shaquille O’Neal shares his one wish for ownership 

As per sources, $7 billion is reportedly required to own the Las Vegas team and construct a stadium for the roster. While it’s quite a big amount, will he be able to compete for the stakes? After all, he has some tough competition. During the same segment of The Big Podcast, Lefkoe and O’Neal discussed how Lakers star LeBron James is also in the race for team ownership

James has openly expressed his desire to own a team, and with a net worth exceeding $1 billion, it seems feasible. Although this would not be without its challenges. While discussing the potential expansion team, O’Neal revealed the kind of owner he aspires to be. “Do you know what I want to be as an owner. I just want to stand in the tunnel and just go like,” O’Neal told Lefkoe as he crossed his hands and placed them firmly close to his chest. 

The host was quick to recognise the pose which is similar to Pat Riley’s. “You know and like only speak when I need to speak like I don’t want to be hands on,” the Los Angeles Lakers legend concluded. O’Neal already shares a strong connection with Las Vegas, from launching the first Big Chicken outlet to hosting the annual fundraiser, The Event. If everything falls into place, O’Neal might just acquire an ownership stake in the expansion team.