• Loading stock data...
Thursday, January 8, 2026

Why Shaquille O’Neal Is Wary of Crypto

  • O’Neal says he invests in things he strongly believes in and avoids ventures that ‘seem too good to be true.’
  • ‘If you’re going to give me a million dollars worth of crypto, then why do you need me?’ says O’Neal.
Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports

Don’t expect Shaquille O’Neal to dip into the crypto market any time soon.

In an interview with Front Office Sports, the NBA Hall of Famer, business mogul, and TNT basketball analyst shared his take on cryptocurrency, saying he only invests in things he strongly believes in and avoids ventures that “seem too good to be true.”

“I always get these companies that say, ‘Hey, we’ll give you $900,000 in crypto to send out a tweet.’ So I have to say, ’OK, if you’re going to give me a million dollars worth of crypto, then why do you need me?’” O’Neal said. “A couple of my friends got caught up in a little scam like that one time.”

The 49-year-old has an estimated net worth of $400 million and an extensive portfolio of investments. 

  • This year, O’Neal co-founded a diversity-focused ad agency, Majority
  • Beachbody, a subscription-based fitness platform, went public via a $2.9 billion merger with connected cycling provider Myx and a Shaq-advised SPAC in June.
  • In May, O’Neal became an equity partner in Alkaline Water Co. He’ll join the board of advisors and get about 7 million shares, or 5-6%, of the company. 
  • He’s a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings, too.

O’Neal most recently invested in NRG Esports and brokered a naming rights partnership between their “Rocket League” team and The General insurance company, one of his many endorsements.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jan 6, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center.

LeBron James on the Verge of Losing Two 21-Year Streaks

James has qualified for every All-Star Game since 2024.

Trae Young Shipped to D.C. in NBA Season’s First Blockbuster 

Young has a player option for next season worth $49 million. 
Dec 11, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) talks with Yes Network during the winter meetings at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort.
exclusive

Yankees RSN and Comcast Reach Deal, Preserving Local Access

After nearly a year of acrimony, a new agreement is quietly struck.
Jul 13, 2025; Wimbledon, United Kingdom; Darren Cahill and the support team for Jannik Sinner of Italy react during the menÕs singles final on day 14 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

Pam Shriver, Brad Gilbert Out at ESPN As Network Revamps Tennis Coverage

Darren Cahill’s future is still up in the air after nearly 20 years at ESPN.

Featured Today

Hockey in Florida Was Once a Risk. Now It’s Thriving

The state of Florida has become a traditional—and highly lucrative—market.
Dec 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after scoring a basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Crypto.com Arena
January 4, 2026

Why Pro Sports Team Valuations Will Keep Climbing in 2026

Asset scarcity and increasing media-rights deals underpin soaring valuations.
Imagn Images/Front Office Sports
January 2, 2026

FOS Crystal Ball: Predictions for the Business of Sports in 2026

Here’s what FOS journalists think could be on the horizon.
Heated Rivalry (L to R) - Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov and Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander in Episode 104 of Heated Rivalry. Cr. Sabrina Lantos © 2025
December 24, 2025

Hockey Needed Some Virality. Then Came ‘Heated Rivalry’

No one was prepared for the Canadian show’s smash success.
exclusive

Tiger Woods’s 50th Birthday Party Has Jon Bon Jovi and a Title..

The golf superstar is hosting a belated 50th birthday bash.
Aug 18 2024; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Aryna Sabalenka at the net with Iga Swiatek of Poland after their match on day seven of the Cincinnati Open.
January 5, 2026

Women Tennis Players Continue to Blast Battle of the Sexes

“The guy is detestable,” one former women’s pro said about Nick Kyrgios.
January 5, 2026

Saquon Barkley Whiffs on Incentives a Year After Sweeping Them

Barkley sat out Sunday’s game to rest for the postseason. 
Sponsored

ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025: Inside the Technology Shaping the Future of..

At ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025, ESPN showcased how AI, immersive tech, and a rebuilt direct-to-consumer platform are redefining the future of sports media.
January 2, 2026

McIlroy Roasts LIV, But Would Welcome Players Back to PGA Tour

McIlroy admitted he was “too judgemental” of professionals who left for LIV.
January 2, 2026

Sabalenka, Kyrgios Hint at ‘Battle of the Sexes’ Sequel

Sabalenka lost to Kyrgios in straight sets in the controversial exhibition.
Nov 3, 2025; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani acknowledges the crowd during the World Series championship parade at downtown Los Angeles
December 28, 2025

It Was the Year of Shohei Ohtani (Again)

The two-way superstar has a massive year on and off the field.
Oct 10, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with teammates after game four of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center.
December 27, 2025

The Year of A’ja Wilson

No one in basketball had a bigger year.