In the world of professional basketball, few figures are as iconic as Shaquille O’Neal. Standing at an imposing 7’1″, Shaq has always been larger than life, both on and off the court. With his towering presence, unstoppable skills, and undeniable charisma, he earned a reputation as one of the NBA’s greatest players. But what truly sets Shaq apart is not just his athletic achievements—it’s his business acumen and the incredible lifestyle he’s crafted since retiring from the game.
Shaquille O’Neal was drafted into the NBA in 1992 by the Orlando Magic, a team that quickly became the stage for his breakout success. However, it was his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, beginning in 1996, that truly cemented his legacy. Alongside teammate Kobe Bryant, Shaq led the Lakers to three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002, dominating the league with his unique combination of size, strength, and skill. With a career total of over 29,000 points in the regular season and an additional 5,250 points in the playoffs, Shaq was a force to be reckoned with.
But it wasn’t just on the court where Shaq made his mark. Off the court, he became a shrewd businessman, learning the ropes of investment and expanding his financial empire. Despite earning an impressive $30 million annually during his peak playing years, Shaq was careful to diversify his income sources. As of today, his net worth is estimated to be over $400 million, thanks to a variety of investments, endorsements, and ventures. Shaq’s knack for turning anything he touches into gold has led to some of the most ridiculous, expensive purchases anyone could imagine.
The Five Guys Empire
One of Shaquille O’Neal’s most notable investments is his ownership in Five Guys Burgers and Fries. While many people enjoy a quick burger, Shaq saw an opportunity to make some serious money. He owns five franchises of the popular fast-food chain, translating into 155 locations across the United States. His entrepreneurial spirit is clear, as he has taken a hands-on approach to ensure that each of his fitness centers and restaurants is up to his exacting standards.
The Gym Business
In addition to his fast-food ventures, Shaq also found success in the fitness industry. He owns 40 24-Hour Fitness gyms, each one tailored to meet his personal specifications. Given Shaq’s large frame, it’s no surprise that each gym is built with equipment capable of catering to a towering 7-foot athlete like himself. His business savvy is evident, as the fitness chain continues to be a lucrative investment.
Google: A Billion-Dollar Bet
Perhaps one of the smartest moves Shaq made early on was his investment in Google. Before the company went public in 2004, Shaq had the foresight to invest in the tech giant. At the time, shares of Google were trading at just $85, and as of 2019, they’ve soared to over $1,100 per share. With this single move, Shaquille O’Neal positioned himself to benefit from one of the most successful tech companies in history.
A Lifestyle of Luxury
Shaquille O’Neal’s love for the finer things in life is well-known. His extravagant spending is not limited to just businesses; his personal life is a showcase of luxury. One of his biggest indulgences is his massive car collection. Shaq reportedly spends $23,000 a month on gas alone, which is more than most people’s annual salary. Among the many vehicles in his collection, one of the standout cars is his all-black Ford F-650 pickup truck. This truck required $60,000 in modifications just to accommodate his massive frame, bringing the price of the vehicle to a cool $124,125.
However, it’s not just the pickup trucks that impress. Shaq also owns a customized Infiniti G35, crafted by SuperCraft Custom Cars. The modifications on this car alone cost upwards of $75,000. If that wasn’t enough, he even installed a booming sound system, multiple flat screens, and a mini bar in his 2001 Chevrolet G1500. Shaq’s car collection is a testament to his larger-than-life persona, blending luxury and functionality in a way that only someone like him could manage.
The Lakeside Mansion
If you’re going to have an extensive car collection, you need somewhere to park all of those cars. Enter Shaq’s enormous lakeside mansion in Florida, which boasts a 17-car garage. The house spans 35,000 square feet and includes 12 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, and a custom-built basketball court with the words “Shack Center” emblazoned across the floor. Originally purchased in 1993 for $3.95 million, Shaq is now looking to sell the property for a staggering $22 million.
But that’s not the only mansion in Shaq’s portfolio. He also owns a more modest property in Bell Canyon, California, which he purchased for $1.815 million. While this home may seem more modest in comparison to his Florida estate, it still boasts five bedrooms, four and a half baths, and elegant porcelain floors.
Shaq’s Walmart Shopping Spree
One of the most amusing stories about Shaq’s spending habits came after his trade from the Miami Heat to the Phoenix Suns in 2008. Shaq was eager to furnish his new apartment but, for some reason, couldn’t wait for the usual high-end furniture stores. So, he decided to head to Walmart for his shopping spree. The total cost of his purchases? A jaw-dropping $70,000. American Express flagged the charge, thinking his card had been stolen. When they found out it was indeed Shaq making the purchase, they couldn’t help but ask, “What on Earth are you buying?”
A Million-Dollar Sweet 16 Party
Shaq’s generosity knows no bounds, especially when it comes to his children. His daughter, Amira, received an over-the-top Sweet 16 party that cost her father a staggering $1 million. Shaq rented out the rooftop of the exclusive W Hotel in Los Angeles for a night of glitz and glamour. The event featured a special performance by rapper YG and a brand-new Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon for Amira. At a price tag of $134,000, the G-Wagon was the perfect gift to top off an unforgettable evening.
A Legacy of Generosity
Shaquille O’Neal’s generosity extends beyond his family and friends. He is known for tipping service workers generously, sometimes giving thousands of dollars to waitstaff. In one instance, Shaq tipped a server $4,000 for a job well done, embodying his belief in giving back to those who serve him.
In conclusion, Shaquille O’Neal’s life is a blend of business brilliance, personal indulgence, and unmatched generosity. His investments have made him a financial giant, while his extravagant purchases have become a reflection of his larger-than-life personality. Yet, despite all the wealth and fame, Shaq’s ability to make people laugh, his love for his family, and his commitment to helping others remain at the core of his legacy. In a world of millionaires, Shaquille O’Neal is a true king of his domain—both on the court and in life.
10 extravagant items $500 Million Worth Shaquille O’Neal owns
Shaq’s spending is as big as his personality and here are 10 such items and instances he has invested his immense wealth in.
Shaquille O’Neal has undoubtedly been one of the greatest NBA players of all time. The 7 ft 1 in tall center was a 325-pound agile specimen and an absolute freak of nature. Known popularly as ‘Diesel,’ Shaq managed to work hard and be very successful off the court too, amassing a net worth of $500 million.
Shaq earned over $286 million from his NBA contracts over a spell of 19 seasons and made over $200 million of his net worth from endorsements and partnerships alone. Much like himself, his lifestyle is larger than life.
Over the years, Shaq has spent this money at his whims and fancies. Time and again, fans have seen Shaquille O’Neal either buying expensive items or investing heavily in assets and businesses.
10 things Shaquille O’Neal spent ridiculous money on
#10. Custom Treehouse
In 2018, Shaq decided to go to the Treehouse Masters, a TV show where Pete Nelson designs a custom treehouse for his clients.
Shaquille O’Neal’s treehouse
Shaquille O’Neal spent $400,000 to get this treehouse made. The treehouse has a 9-foot mahogany door, with a bar, a poker table, a dartboard etc. on the inside. Sounds like a lot of money for just a treehouse? Well, not for Shaq.
#9. Mobile Phones
In 2014, Shaq revealed in an interview with USA Today that whenever a new iPhone launches, he likes to buy 50 of those. Shaq then passes them away to kids or leaves them at random places or gives them away through Twitter (now X).
Shaquille O’Neal loves iPhones
If Shaq bought 50 units of every iPhone when they came out, it would have cost him an estimated $750,000 to date.
#8. Pershing 72 Yacht
Shaq spent $1.7 million on a Pershing 72 Yacht, that has its own kitchen, three bedrooms, comfortable access to the crews’ quarter and the engine room, three bathrooms and many other luxurious facilities.
Shaquille O’Neal’s Pershing 72 Yacht
This impressive vessel is 84 feet long and 40 feet wide, and it can accommodate up to 149 people. Shaqapulco, as it is called, is often referred to as a “water villa” due to its spacious and luxurious design.
#7. Customized F-650 pickup truck
Shaq purchased a truck that he customized according to his preferences. It was worth over $65,000. But there’s more to the cost.
Shaq’s customised F-650 Pick Up Truck
Diesel then added leather seats, Bluetooth, HD radio and all other modern-day amenities. After the modifications, the cost had gone up to ~$124,000.
#6. A Mansion in Orlando
The 4-time NBA Champion owns a 36,000-square feet lakefront mansion in Orlando, Florida. The mansion sits on 3 acres of land and boasts 12 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, and includes 700 feet of private beachfront.
Shaq’s mansion (via Realtor)
This impressive estate is currently listed for $16.5 million on the market.
#5. Walmart Shopping spree
When Shaquille O’Neal was traded to the Phoenix Suns, he was living in an apartment that had no furniture. So, he took it upon himself to go out and get all the essentials for his apartment from Walmart.
Shaquille O’Neal in Walmart
That day, the 7-foot-1 Bigman reportedly ended up spending $70,000 in Walmart. Well, that’s more like Shaq, isn’t it?
#4. Stake in Authentic Brands Group (ABG)
Shaq has sold his naming and licensing rights to ABG for $270 million. He used $135 million of that to buy a stake in ABG.
Shaq has a stake in Authentic Brands Group
As a result, Shaq now owns the licensing rights to celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, and Muhammad Ali, along with about 50 consumer brands.
#3. Mismatch of business ventures
Shaq put a big amount of his money into his businesses. The 52-year-old owns 150 car washes, 40 24-hour gyms, a movie theater, and Big Chicken, among other ventures.
24 Hour Fitness Gym
Kobe Bryant‘s former teammate sold his Auntie Anne’s Pretzels franchises and was once the owner of 155 Five Guys locations, which he later sold to start his own restaurant, Shaquille’s.
#2. Sacramento Kings
Shaquille O’Neal spent between $10-20 million to acquire a 2-4% stake in the NBA franchise Sacramento Kings. He cashed it out when the team was valued at $1.8 billion.
Shaq in Sacramento Kings merchandise, standing alongside Yao Ming
#1. Google
Shaq invested in Google’s shares during its Series A funding when the company was valued at $100 million. Google’s parent company, Alphabet, is now worth nearly $2 trillion. Shaquille O’Neal still holds some shares in the company.
Google’s parent company is the fourth valuable conglomerate in the world
Shaq’s spending is as big as his personality. Whether it’s buying tons of iPhones or owning car washes and gyms, he sure knows how to live large. But the NBA great has also made some smart investments, like getting in early with Google. In the end, it’s all part of his larger-than-life style!
