Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Papa John’s Makes Shaq Rich(er)

  • Shaq’s shares of Papa John’s are worth more than $7 million after the company reported a 27% increase in same store sales.
  • Other ventures in Shaq’s portfolio include Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, car washes and tech company investments.
Shaq business
Photo Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

More than a year ago, Papa John’s paid Shaquille O’Neal $4.1M and gave him 90,000 shares of stock to endorse the brand, become a board member, and own nine stores as a franchisee. The pizza company recently reported a same-store sales jump of almost 27%, making Shaq’s stock holding alone worth $7M, according to Darren Rovell

If his The General Car Insurance commercials are any indication, Shaq is everywhere and Papa John’s is just a portion of his retirement portfolio. The TNT analyst, who made $300M during his playing career, is raking in cash through dozens of investments. 

Some of his more notable holdings, according to Money

  • 17 Auntie Anne’s Pretzels franchises
  • 40 24-Hour Fitness gyms
  • 150 car washes
  • 155 Five Guys locations – though he has since sold them
  • A Big Chicken restaurant in Las Vegas
  • Early stakes in Google and Apple
  • Early investor in Ring, which sold to Amazon for $1B
  • Sacramento Kings minority ownership

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NBA Coaching Carousel Could Shake Up College Basketball

Dusty May and Todd Golden could get NBA coaching looks.
Apr 18, 2026; Fort Worth, TX, USA; The University of Minnesota gymnastics team poses with their trophy after finishing in fourth place in the 2026 NCAA Women’s Gymnastics National Championships at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

ESPN Defends NCAA Gymnastics Broadcast After Minnesota Backlash

Minnesota blasted ESPN for showing its routines less than other teams.
Jan 9, 2026; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oregon Ducks tight end Jamari Johnson (9) makes catch for a touchdown against Indiana Hoosiers defensive back D'Angelo Ponds (5) during the first quarter of the 2025 Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Latest Dispute Over NIL Go Could End Any Semblance of a Salary Cap

The heart of the current issue is over the definition of “associated entities.”

Featured Today

Quinnipiac women's varsity rugby

The Death of Quinnipiac Women’s Varsity Rugby

The sudden decision at Ilona Maher’s alma mater left players blindsided.
April 17, 2026

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.
blake griffin
April 14, 2026

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.
Matthew Schaefer/Front Office Sports
April 10, 2026

Matthew Schaefer Has the Hockey World in His Thrall

The teenage Islanders defenseman cannon-balled into the NHL.
November 28, 2021; Santa Clara, California, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) catches a touchdown against San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga (29) during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium.

Former NFL Pro Adam Thielen Is Betting on the Youth Sports Boom

“We want to help athletes get better wherever they’re at.”
April 15, 2026

Sophia Wilson on Returning to Soccer With a Million-Dollar Deal

Wilson became the NWSL’s first million-dollar player this offseason.
April 16, 2026

French Open Will Allow Wearables Like Whoop on ‘Trial Basis’

The trial will extend to the US Open and Wimbledon.
Sponsored

Why Brandon Marshall Bet on Athlete-Owned Media

Brandon Marshall on athlete media, life after football, building I AM ATHLETE.
Apr 11, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies infielder Alec Bohm (28) throws to first against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the second inning at Citizens Bank Park.
April 14, 2026

Alec Bohm’s Family Feud Heats Up As Parents Push Back

The third baseman claims his parents took advantage of him.
Jan 13, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) looks to shoot a jump shot against the Portland Trail Blazers in the third quarter at Chase Center.
April 14, 2026

Steph Curry Auctions 75 Pairs of Shoes As Sneaker Free Agency Looms

Sneakers Curry wore to a 2010 game are going for more than $50,000.
April 14, 2026

Valkyries GM Avoids Questions After Draft Trade: ‘I’m Exhausted’

Golden State traded Flau’jae Johnson to Seattle for two second-rounders.
April 13, 2026

Azzi Fudd Gets $500K Salary As WNBA No. 1 Pick

The new CBA sets a $500,000 salary for the first pick.