What Does Shaq Own? From Five Guys to Reebok, A 2023 Review

I’ve been a Shaquille O’Neal (Shaq) fan ever since watching him play basketball at LSU. Being from Louisiana, it was fun watching them have a good team besides football. 

The Orlando Magic drafted him in the 1992 NBA draft, and he quickly became one of the league’s top players. His success on the court led to numerous endorsement deals and licensing rights with various companies.

Shaq’s YouTube interview with Grant Cardone (Grant Cardone Interviews Shaquille O’Neal Doing BIG BUSINESS) was something everyone (young and old) should watch.  

During the interview, the former NBA player and successful businessman shares his insights on how he became one of the most-liked celebrity figures in the world and his journey toward financial success.

Growing up with a father who was a drill sergeant, Shaq was disciplined and programmed to pay attention, listen, and learn from other people’s mistakes. This helped him stay humble and avoid making major mistakes that would disappoint his mother, whom he admires greatly.

Despite not growing up rich, Shaq’s financial mindset and wealth management skills were honed through trial and error, asking questions, and seeking guidance from honest financial advisors. He learned the importance of long-term financial planning, such as investing in annuities, and the difference between being rich and being wealthy.

Shaq’s successful career as a professional athlete has allowed him to accumulate a significant amount of wealth. He has used this wealth to invest in various businesses, including car washes, restaurants, and even a shopping center. Shaq has also invested in well-known brands such as Gold Bond and Icy Hot.

In addition to his business ventures, Shaq has also pursued a music career under the names “Shaq Diesel” and “Big Diesel.” With so many successful ventures under his belt, it’s no wonder Shaq is considered one of the most successful former NBA stars in terms of post-career success.

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Shaq’s Success Story

In the interview with Cardone, Shaq shares his journey from being a high-level juvenile delinquent to a successful businessman. He attributes his success to the discipline his drill sergeant father instilled in him, who taught him to learn from others’ mistakes.

For instance, Shaq recalls a time when his father disciplined him after the death of a promising athlete due to a drug overdose (Len Bias), which led him to vow never to do drugs.

His financial journey began when he received his first million-dollar signing deal at 18. He quickly spent it all, buying luxury cars for himself and his family and renting a penthouse for a year.

However, when he realized he had spent all his money in one day, he decided never to let that happen again. He began to educate himself about finance, reading books like “The Dummy’s Guide to Starting Your Own Business” and interviewing financial advisors.

One of the key lessons he learned was the importance of saving and investing. He started an S corporation, which allowed him to put his family on salary and write off certain expenses. He also began saving a portion of his income and investing in annuities to have a substantial amount of money by the time he was 50.

Shaq’s First Big Investment

Shaq also learned the value of joint ventures and partnerships. His first big investment was in Google, which came about after a chance meeting with some businessmen at a hotel. They were impressed by his humility and kindness towards their children and offered him the opportunity to invest in Google. Despite not fully understanding what they were talking about, he trusted his financial advisor and decided to invest, which was highly profitable.

However, Shaq also experienced failures. After his success with Google, he became overconfident and started investing in get-rich-quick schemes, which led to losses. This made him reassess his investment strategy. He recalls a meeting with Jeff Bezos, who advised him to invest in things that change people’s lives. This advice resonated with Shaq and led him to invest in Amazon, another highly successful investment.

Financial Motivation

Shaq was deeply impacted by the statistic that 60-70% of athletes end up with nothing five years after their careers end. This reality check motivated him to be proactive about his finances.

He didn’t want to end up in a similar situation, so he made a conscious effort to save and invest his earnings. This drive to secure his future and his family significantly influenced his decision to venture into business and investments.

When starting a business, Shaq prefers to buy and improve existing businesses rather than start from scratch.

He shares a specific example of a daycare center he wants to buy and upgrade. He envisioned transforming it into a luxury daycare, providing more facilities and activities for the children. 

Shaq’s Marketing

Shaq also discusses his unique marketing approach. He recalls a time in college when he failed a marketing class because he was already thinking about his own brand, “Shaq.”

He learned a valuable lesson about the power of humor in marketing from studying Spuds McKenzie, a dog character used in Bud Light commercials. He decided to incorporate humor into his brand, which has been a successful strategy in making it more memorable.

Success & Fame

Shaq also shares his views on success and fame. He doesn’t see himself as driven by money or fame but by wanting to make people smile.

He considers himself blessed and wants to share his blessings with others. He also downplays his fame, saying he’s just a guy who played a sport people love. Despite his massive success and fame, this humility is a testament to his grounded personality.

In terms of real estate investment, Shaq prefers partnerships. He trusts his partners to handle the details in which he’s not an expert. He mentions a successful partnership in New Jersey, where he was involved in replacing projects with condos. This partnership resulted in financial success and contributed to community development.

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Shaq’s Business Empire

Shaq’s business empire is vast and diverse, with investments in various industries. He’s a successful businessman and has made a name for himself as a savvy entrepreneur.

One of his earliest business ventures was investing in Five Guys, where he owned 155 franchises, equivalent to 10% of the company’s franchise portfolio.

Shaq’s investment portfolio includes a minority stake in Auntie Anne’s, a popular pretzel chain. He has also invested in car washes, fitness centers, shopping centers, movie theaters, and several Las Vegas nightclubs.

Shaq owns part of The General, Gold Bond, Icy Hot, Buick, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Forever 21, JCPenney, and more.

Shaq is an investor, board member, and strategic advisor for several companies. He has served on the board of directors for Papa John’s, a pizza chain, and Carnival Cruise Line. He has also been a strategic advisor for several companies, including MusclePharm, a sports nutrition company, and Loyale Healthcare, a patient financial management company.

Real Estate Investments

Residential Properties

Shaq has owned several luxury homes throughout the years. In 2020, he purchased a 31,000-square-foot mansion in Windermere, Florida, for $16.5 million. The property features 12 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, a 6,000-square-foot indoor basketball court, and a 17-car garage.

In addition to his Windermere mansion, he also owns a few other residential properties. He purchased a 4,635-square-foot home in McDonough, Georgia, in July 2021 and a 5,217-square-foot home in Bell Canyon, California, in February 2020.

Commercial Properties

In 2019, he purchased a shopping center in Union City, Georgia, for $1.2 million. The property includes a Papa John’s pizza restaurant, a barbershop, and a car wash.

In 2017, Shaq partnered with Simon Property Group and Brookfield Property Partners to open several Auntie Anne’s and Cinnabon stores in malls across the United States. The partnership was part of Shaq’s larger plan to invest in retail and restaurant businesses.

Restaurant Ownership

Shaq has invested in various fast-food and restaurant chains, including Papa John’s Pizza, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, and Taco Bell.

In addition, he owns his own restaurant chains, including Big Chicken Restaurant and Guy’s Burger Restaurants.

One of his most successful ventures is his partnership with Papa John’s Pizza. He owns several and serves as the company’s brand ambassador.

In 2019, he became a board member of the company, which helped improve its image after a controversy involving its former CEO.

Another restaurant chain that Shaq owns is Auntie Anne’s Pretzels. He has 17 Auntie Anne’s Pretzels restaurants across the United States. The chain is known for its freshly baked pretzels and other baked goods.

In addition to his restaurant chains, Shaq also owns a Krispy Kreme franchise. He owns one location in Atlanta, which was destroyed by arson in 2021. However, a new store is set to open in the summer of 2023.

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Brand Endorsements

From sports drinks to fast food, Shaq has been the face of many products over the years.

One of his most notable endorsement deals was with Gold Bond, a company that produces a variety of personal care products. Shaq became the brand ambassador for their men’s body powder line, and his larger-than-life personality helped make the product a huge success.

In addition to Gold Bond, Shaq has also been a spokesperson for Icy Hot, a pain relief cream. His commercials for the product were memorable for their humor and cleverness and helped raise brand awareness.

Sports and Fitness Ownership

Shaq has invested in several sports teams and fitness centers and owns his own gym.

One of his notable investments was in the Sacramento Kings, where he was a part-owner. He also has a history with the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and Orlando Magic, where he played during his NBA career and won multiple championships.

In the fitness industry, Shaq has ownership in 24-hour fitness centers with 40 locations across the United States. He also owns his own gym, which features a basketball court, allowing him to continue his love for the game.

Media and Entertainment Ventures

Shaq has been a part of several television shows, including “Shaq Life,” which premiered on TNT in 2020. The show follows Shaq’s life on and off the court, giving viewers an inside look into his daily routine and personal life.

Besides television shows, Shaq owns several Las Vegas nightclubs, including “Chateau” and “Tao.” These nightclubs are known for their luxurious atmosphere and celebrity appearances. He also owns a movie theater in McDonough, Georgia, which features state-of-the-art technology and an immersive movie experience.

In addition to these ventures, Shaq has also invested in the estates of legendary icons like Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe. He has a keen interest in the entertainment industry and has participated in several media campaigns. He also worked as an analyst for NBC Sports during the NBA playoffs.

Shaq’s Net Worth

You may be wondering how much Shaq has made throughout his career. According to Wealthy Gorilla, as of July 2023, Shaq’s net worth is roughly $400 million, making him one of the wealthiest athletes in the world.

During his NBA career, he earned over $292 million in salary alone. 

Despite his wealth, he’s been known for his philanthropic efforts. He has donated millions of dollars to various charities and organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation, which focuses on helping underprivileged children.

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