Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Shaquille O’Neal Picks Up Dinner Tab North of $25K

  • Shaq bought dinner for both restaurant patrons and staff.
  • O’Neal’s net worth is estimated around $400 million.
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Shaquille O’Neal’s business prowess has become legendary over the years — and he recently used the proceeds from it to make some lucky diners’ and restaurant staff’s nights.

On Sunday, O’Neal reportedly paid the dinner bills for over 40 tables and even bought dinner for the entire server team at New York’s Jue Lan Club, per Page Six.

The grand total for his bill was “well over $25,000” and included an “extremely generous” gratuity for his server(s) that was “the biggest tip they’ve ever received.”

Shaq made $286.3 million through his NBA contracts during his playing career. Since retiring in 2011, the 50-year-old has established himself as one of the big personalities on “NBA on TNT” and continues to invest in a highly-diverse portfolio of businesses.

Among them is NRG Esports, which was founded by Kings co-owner Andy Miller and also includes Alex Rodriguez among its investors.

O’Neal’s net worth is estimated around $400 million.

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

Mar 15, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; ACC commissioner Jim Phillips hands the championship trophy to Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer after the 2025 ACC Conference Championship game against the Louisville Cardinals at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

ACC Backs Duke-Amazon Deal Despite Big Ten Concerns

ACC commissioner Jim Phillips revealed ESPN was involved in the discussions.

New York, New Jersey Lower Costs for World Cup Transit

Round-trip trains will now cost $98, and buses $20.
TNT Sports

WBD Leans Further Into Sports With Paramount Deal Looming

The TNT Sports parent company pushes ahead with its own programming plans.

WNBA Teams Use Hardship Contracts Despite Expanded Rosters

WNBA teams have two developmental contract spots this year.

Featured Today

How Sports Graphic Designers Are Grappling With the Rise of AI Art

The release of ChatGPT 2.0 Images sparked a conversation among sports designers.
May 12, 2026

Collectible Cups Are Sending Sports Fans Into a Frenzy

The drink is secondary to the wild vessel it comes in.
Matt Palumb
May 8, 2026

Pro Lacrosse’s Top Ref Is As Famous As the Players

The last celebrity referee is in the Premier Lacrosse League.
May 2, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta United midfielder Saba Lobjanidze (11) reacts to his goal against the CF Montréal in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit
May 7, 2026

How Atlanta Unexpectedly Became the Epicenter of U.S. Soccer

U.S. Soccer is opening a new national HQ in Georgia.

NBA Player Brandon Clarke Dies at 29

Clarke died on Monday in Southern California, authorities say.
Aug 2, 2024; Nanterre, France; Benjamin Proud (Great Britain), Cameron McEvoy (Australia) and Florent Manaudou (France) in the men’s 50-meter freestyle medal ceremony during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Paris La Défense Arena.
May 11, 2026

The Enhanced Games Want to Be More Than a Steroid Olympics

“There’s a benefit for anyone to live enhanced.”
May 12, 2026

Another Summer of LeBron Is Here

James is not under contract for next season.
Sponsored

What Is It Like to Run the Knicks?

Dave Checketts on his time running the Knicks & Jazz, Jordan war stories, and his investment strategy across major sports leagues.
Trick Williams Front Office Sports
May 9, 2026

WWE’s Next Big Star Could Be Ex-NFL Hopeful Trick Williams

The former South Carolina wideout is now WWE’s U.S. champion.
May 6, 2026

Napheesa Collier Admits Engelbert Rant Was For CBA Leverage

The WNBA and WNBPA agreed to a new labor deal in March.
May 6, 2026

U.S. Open Falls Behind Masters in Prize Money: ‘It’s Not a Race’

The Masters increased its purse to $22.5 million this year.
Mar 28, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts during her match against Coco Gauff of the United States in the final of the women’s singles at the Hard Rock Stadium.
May 5, 2026

Sabalenka, Gauff Suggest Grand Slam Boycott Over Prize Money Share

“Without us there wouldn’t be a tournament,” Sabalenka said.