Nearly $500 million of net worth and still afraid of certain financial moves? Former LA Lakers star Shaquille O’Neal has made multiple investments over his lifetime, thanks to his massive earnings and brand endorsements. Fortunately, all the investments that he has made have turned out to be quite rewarding, so what’s the one kind of investment that Shaq is still not comfortable with?
During a recent video on his channel regarding investing, Shaq and the team dived deep into different aspects of the industry. One team member, during the discussion, stated he is ‘scared’ of investing in stocks. “I’m, I’m kinda like that too… Unless it’s somebody I know; it’s somebody I trust…” Shaq added to this opinion, which might sound shocking coming from someone as financially savvy as the former Lakers star. But it’s a good reminder that even the most successful investors prefer to stick to what they’re comfortable with.
And for Shaq, that comfort zone is franchising – rather than jumping into the volatile stock market, he’s built a mini-empire of franchises—and not just any franchises. The 4x NBA champ’s business strategy lies around getting involved in businesses he believes in, trusts, and knows will make a difference. Take Five Guys, for example; this was Shaq’s first serious dive into the world of franchises. He owned a whopping 155 restaurants—10% of the entire company. Eventually, he sold his stake, but it was a major stepping stone for him.
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USA Today via Reuters May 26, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; TNT analyst Shaquille O’Neal laughs on the court before game four of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Atlanta Hawks at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Then there’s Auntie Anne’s, where the ex-NBA star owns 17 pretzel shops, as listed on The Wolf of Franchises. And let’s not forget Papa John’s either, where Shaquille O’Neal isn’t just an investor but also a board member, a brand ambassador, and the face of the pizza chain’s commercials. He owns nine locations in Atlanta, hence, his business ideas aren’t just about making money – it’s about influence and involvement. Shaq’s investments also go beyond food; he owns 40 24-hour fitness centers and around 150 car washes, and we haven’t even reached close to the entire empire of Big Diesel yet!
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The diverse business ventures of Shaquille O’Neal
The former LA Lakers star’s business portfolio is just as impressive as his basketball career. He’s not just a franchise owner, his investments stretch across a wide range of industries – from beauty to tech, and even nightlife. It all comes down to one thing—he only backs what he believes in. You’ll find Shaq’s name behind major brands like Lyft, JC Penney, Icy Hot, and even Forever 21. He’s also got nightclubs, a strip mall, and a movie theater in Las Vegas.
But what really stands out is Big Chicken, his very own fast-food chain. The 4x NBA champ didn’t just get his name on this venture but showed personal involvement in every detail. Big Chicken’s oversized sandwiches reflect Shaq’s personality—bold, unapologetic, and always bigger than life. Apart from this, what’s made Shaquille O’Neal successful is his authenticity—he’s not just chasing profit, but investments that improve lives and products he actually uses.
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So, even though Big Diesel is scared of certain aspects of investment, he still has established himself as a successful investor. Stay tuned for more such updates; join our exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host, BG12, sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.
Despite Over $100Million Investments, Shaquille O’Neal Admits Being ‘Scared’ of Popular Investing Technique
