Shaquille O’Neal, or Shaq, is more than a basketball star. Many fans ask what businesses does Shaq own to understand his wealth. He turned his NBA fame into a huge business world. This article looks at his life, wins, and deals. We use facts from trusted spots to show his path. Shaq’s story helps anyone who wants to start a business.
Shaq’s Early Life and Rise to Fame
Shaq was born on March 6, 1972, in Newark, New Jersey. He grew tall fast and loved basketball. In high school, he led his team to a state title. Then, at LSU, he shone as a top player. The NBA picked him first in 1992 by the Orlando Magic.
Shaq’s career lasted 19 years. He played for teams like the Lakers, Heat, Suns, Cavaliers, and Celtics. He won four NBA titles—three with the Lakers and one with the Heat. Shaq scored over 28,000 points and grabbed 13,000 rebounds. Fans voted him to 15 All-Star games. In 2016, the Hall of Fame added him.
Off the court, Shaq acted in movies like “Kazaam” and “Steel.” He rapped on albums too. But business became his big win after basketball. He earned $292 million in the NBA. Now, his net worth hits $500 million in 2025, mostly from smart deals.
Shaq learned money lessons early. After his first big check, he spent $1 million in one day on cars and jewels. That scared him. He read books like “The Dummies Guide to Starting Your Own Business.” Magic Johnson inspired him to own things that help people.
How Shaq Built His Business Mind
Shaq says, “I don’t want to be just rich. I want to be wealthy.” He focuses on owning, not just endorsing. He picks deals that fit his fun style. Shaq teams with experts to run things. He took friends to get MBAs with him. Now, they help manage his empire.
One funny story shows his spending. In 2008, after a trade to the Suns, Shaq spent $70,000 at Walmart in one go. He bought TVs, laptops, and furniture. American Express thought it was fraud and called him. Shaq laughs about it now but uses it to teach kids about money. Check this Walmart tale for more laughs.
Shaq invests in what he loves. He says, “If I love the product, I’ll invest.” This rule helped him grow. Now, let’s see what businesses does Shaq own across fields.
What Businesses Does Shaq Own in the Food World?
Shaq loves food, so he owns many eateries. He started with franchises and made his own brand. These spots make big money and keep fans happy.
Big Chicken is Shaq’s top food spot. He started it in 2018 with JRS Hospitality and Authentic Brands Group. It sells fried chicken sandwiches, tenders, and shakes. Menu items tell Shaq’s story—like the “M.D.E.” sandwich for his mom. Big Chicken uses big chicken pieces for big bites. As of 2025, it has over 40 spots open and 350 more coming. Shaq oversees all parts, from food to fun vibes. Sales hit high marks, with some stores making $2 million a year. Shaq’s fame draws crowds. He often visits to sign autographs.
Next, Papa John’s. In 2019, Shaq joined the board and bought nine stores in Atlanta. He helped fix the brand after issues. Shaq stars in ads and made the “Shaq-a-Roni” pizza—extra big with lots of pepperoni. He sold his likeness rights for $8.5 million but keeps owning stores. These spots earn steady cash, about $1 million each yearly. Shaq says pizza fits his big appetite.
Then, Krispy Kreme. Shaq owns one in Atlanta—the oldest in the city, over 60 years old. He loves donuts and became the spokesperson. This spot makes hot, fresh treats. Shaq bought it for fun and profit. Donut sales add to his food wins.
Shaq once owned 17 Auntie Anne’s pretzel shops. He sold them because pretzels didn’t sell as well. But he made $300,000 from them first. He also had 155 Five Guys burgers—10% of the chain. He sold those in 2016 for $80-100 million. Smart move!
In food, Shaq focuses on fun flavors and big portions. These businesses bring in millions yearly. If you want business tips, check Business to Mark for ideas on starting your own spot.
Fitness and Health Spots Shaq Owns
Shaq stays fit, so he invests in gyms. He owned 40 24-Hour Fitness centers. These spots offer workouts anytime. Shaq sold them but made good money. Fitness fits his athlete past.
He endorses brands like Icy Hot and Gold Bond. Shaq owns shares too. These products help with pain and skin care. Millions use them, adding to his cash.
Car Washes and Other Simple Businesses
Shaq owns about 150 car washes. He calls them “easy money.” Cars need cleans often, so cash flows steady. No food waste or trends to worry about. Shaq says this idea came from reading business books.
He also has a movie theater called CityPlex12 in Newark. It shows films and hosts events. Shaq gives back to his hometown this way.
Tech and Stock Deals in Shaq’s List
Shaq invests early in tech. He bought Google stock before it went big. That made him rich. He owns shares in Apple, Pepsi, and Vitaminwater. In 2009, he invested in Ring doorbells. Amazon bought it for $1 billion in 2018—Shaq won big.
He has stakes in Lyft for rides and eSports teams. Shaq sees gaming as the future. These deals show his smart eye for trends.
In 2025, Shaq added to BeatBox Beverages and Oura rings for health tracking. He picks winners.
Entertainment and Media Ventures
Shaq was a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings from 2013 to 2022. He helped the team grow. Now, he’s GM of Kings Guard Gaming in the NBA 2K League.
He hosts “The Big Podcast with Shaq.” It gets millions of listens. Shaq DJs as “Diesel” and runs Shaq’s Fun House—a yearly festival with music and fun.
Shaq acts and produces too. His media work keeps him famous.
Shaq’s Big Stake in Authentic Brands Group
Shaq is the second-largest owner in Authentic Brands Group (ABG). In 2015, he sold his name rights to them. He invested half back. ABG manages brands like Reebok, Forever 21, JC Penney, Barneys New York, Aeropostale, Spyder, and Tapout. Shaq spent $135 million on celeb rights like Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Muhammad Ali, David Beckham, Julius Erving, and Michael Jackson.
ABG bought Champion for $1.2 billion in 2024. Shaq’s stake grows his wealth. See this Facebook post for more on his celeb deals.
ABG’s value hits $22.5 billion. Shaq’s share is huge.
Real Estate and More Investments
Shaq owns homes and buildings. He has nightclubs in Las Vegas. Real estate makes 21% of his portfolio. He diversifies to stay safe.
He owns The General insurance shares. Ads with Shaq boost sales.
Lessons from Shaq’s Business Wins
Shaq teaches simple rules:
- Invest in what you know: He picks loved products.
- Learn from mistakes: His early spending taught saving.
- Team up: Friends with MBAs help him.
- Give back: He hires locals and teaches money smarts.
- Stay fun: Businesses reflect his big personality.
Stats show his success. From $292 million NBA pay to $500 million net worth. Endorsements add $60 million yearly. Franchises bring steady income.
For a full list, see this 32 things Shaq owns.
FAQs
What businesses does Shaq own right now? Shaq owns Big Chicken, Papa John’s stores, Krispy Kreme, car washes, and more. He has stakes in ABG and tech like Ring.
How did Shaq start his businesses? He read books and learned from stars like Magic Johnson. Early investments like Google grew his money.
What is Shaq’s net worth in 2025? About $500 million, from NBA, deals, and businesses.
Does Shaq still own Five Guys? No, he sold his 155 spots in 2016 for big profit.
Why does Shaq invest in franchises? They give steady cash and low risk. He likes owning proven brands.
Conclusion
Shaq built an empire by smart choices. From food like Big Chicken to ABG’s brands, what businesses does Shaq own shows his skill. He turned fame into lasting wealth. His story proves hard work and learning pay off. With over 50 brands and ongoing deals, Shaq inspires.
What business would you launch with Shaq’s tips?
References
- Facebook Post on Shaq’s ABG Stake – Details Shaq’s investment in celeb rights through ABG. Great for understanding his intellectual property deals. Audience: Fans of Black culture and celebrity news.
- HITC on Shaq’s Walmart Spend – Shares a fun story on his spending, tying to financial lessons. Appeals to those interested in celeb lifestyles and money tips.
- MyHighPlains on 32 Things Shaq Owns – Lists franchises, brands, and more with how he got them. Ideal for entertainment news readers seeking detailed celeb business info.