Saturday, May 23, 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.

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

CBS, TNT Sports Parents Face New Merger Scrutiny by Lawmakers

A group of six U.S. senators raises concerns about the proposed megadeal.

Will Wade’s LSU Is Pushing College Basketball to the Absolute Limit

The notorious coach has assembled a team of international pros.
Mark Cuban

Mark Cuban: ‘Betting Isn’t the Problem’

These wagers have been behind the recent MLB and NBA gambling scandals.

Featured Today

Big Money on the Line on Premier League’s Final Day

Arsenal has won the title, but millions are still at stake.
Texas State mascot
May 22, 2026

Mascot-Reveal Videos Are the Newest College Sports Tradition

Student mascot unmasking videos are going mega-viral.
Charlie Pliner and Nikolas Rohrmann
May 22, 2026

How 2 Brown Undergrads Became Sports Dealmakers

An experimental project turned into a permanent course and business deal network.
May 14, 2026

NFL Rivalries Are Made on the Field, Mocked in Schedule Release Videos

Every year, teams find new ways to one-up themselves (and their rivals).

Sabalenka, Sinner Lead Coordinated Media Protest at French Open

The players are seeking increased revenue and improved benefits from Grand Slams.
Sponsored

Volpe Brings Style to the Bronx

With the New York Yankees & Anthony Volpe, Charles Tyrwhitt is bringing its decades-long playbook to one of sports’ biggest stages.
May 22, 2026

Stafford Signs $55 Million Extension With Rams

The 2025 NFL Most Valuable Player receives a sizable pay increase.
Sponsored

How Microsoft and the Premier League Are Making Fans Feel Closer to the Game

The Premier League reaches fans in 189 countries. Now, with Microsoft, it is making global fandom more personal through AI.
May 15, 2026; Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA; Bryson DeChambeau plays his shot on the seventh tee during the second round of the PGA Championship golf tournament.
May 15, 2026

Bryson DeChambeau Misses Second Major Cut Amid LIV Turmoil

DeChambeau also missed the cut at this year’s Masters.
Bart Swings/Falyn Fonoimoana/Avery Poppinga
May 14, 2026

OnlyFans Is Paying Pro Athletes What Their Sports Won’t

The adult-content platform is a reliable income source for niche athletes.
May 12, 2026

NBA Player Brandon Clarke Dies at 29

Clarke died on Monday in Southern California, authorities say.
May 12, 2026

Another Summer of LeBron Is Here

James is not under contract for next season.