Shaquille O’Neal Claims He Would Be A “Trillionaire” In Today’s NBA

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has never been shy about making bold statements, but his latest claim might be his most audacious yet. During an appearance on the New Heights podcast with Travis and Jason Kelce, O’Neal declared,

“If I were playing right now, I’d be a trillionaire. And I believe that, 100%.”

While the statement may seem exaggerated, a closer look at Shaq’s career earnings, business acumen, and the modern NBA landscape shows us why he made this statement.

O’Neal played in an era before supermax contracts, social media-driven endorsements, and NIL deals. During his 19-year NBA career, he earned approximately $286 million in salary, a figure that pales in comparison to today’s contracts. In 2025, stars like Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are signing deals worth over $300 million, with projections suggesting contracts could soon reach $400–450 million.

Had Shaq played in today’s NBA, his dominance would have likely earned him one of the richest contracts in league history. His combination of size, skill, and charisma would have made him a marketing juggernaut, securing lucrative endorsement deals far beyond his playing salary.

O’Neal also pointed to the rise of social media as a key factor in his hypothetical wealth.

“Social media is the market now,” he explained,

noting that modern athletes can monetize their brands in ways that were impossible during his playing days.

Despite retiring in 2011, Shaq remains one of the most recognizable figures in sports, boasting 35.1 million Instagram followers, 15.4 million Twitter (X) followers, and 9.3 million Facebook followers. His ability to engage audiences and secure endorsements has kept his brand relevant, proving that he understands the business side of sports as well as anyone.

Even without today’s NBA salaries, O’Neal has built an impressive business portfolio. He has invested in Five Guys, Papa John’s, Krispy Kreme, Ring, Google, and numerous other ventures. His endorsement deals with Pepsi, Reebok, and Icy Hot continue to generate revenue, making him one of the wealthiest retired athletes.

Had he played in the social media era, Shaq believes he would have leveraged his brand even further.

“I probably would have had the same method growing up, and I would have made so much money,” he said.

While becoming a trillionaire may be an exaggeration, O’Neal’s point is clear—his earning potential in today’s NBA would have been astronomical. With higher salaries, social media influence, and business opportunities, Shaq would have likely been one of the richest athletes in history.