Shaq Taking GM Role at Sacramento State

Shaquille O’Neal has agreed to take on the general manager position for the Sacramento State men’s basketball team, a source confirmed to Front Office Sports. ESPN first reported the news Monday night.

Shaq’s son Shaqir plays for the Hornets, who are coached by Mike Bibby.

The role is “voluntary,” the source said, suggesting it would not be full-time like GM roles at some other college sports programs. Shaq’s duties will include assisting with recruiting, NIL (name, image, and likeness) deals, player development “on and off the court,” and marketing and brand deals. 

Shaq’s move is part of a rapidly accelerating trend of high-profile pro athletes taking on similar positions in college sports as NIL deals become central to the recruiting landscape, the transfer portal allows for unrestricted free agency, and the revenue-sharing era approaches. 

Steph Curry agreed to take on a similar position at Davidson, his alma mater, as did Trae Young at Oklahoma, and Terance Mann at FSU.

The news also comes amid Sacramento State’s push for FBS status. Over the past several months, the school has mounted a public fundraising campaign to ready itself for the next level in college football, and has searched for a new conference home. 

The school recently filed an application with the NCAA to become an FBS independent (as it does not yet have a formal invitation to join an FBS conference) and is waiting for a verdict.