Tuesday, September 15, 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

Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver during the 2026 NBA draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Adam Silver: It Would Be a ‘Failure’ If Trail Blazers Left Portland

Silver spoke after the NBA Board of Governors meetings in New York.
Adam Silver, NBA commissioner, attends the annual Allen and Co. Sun Valley Media and Technology Conference at the Sun Valley Resort in Sun Valley, Idaho, U.S., July 7, 2026.

Clippers Controversy Hangs Over NBA Board of Governors Meeting

Adam Silver is expected to hold a press conference Tuesday.

Clippers Reverse Course and Accept NBA Punishment

Steve Ballmer said he has “sincere regrets.”
Mar 21, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) looks on during the game between the Mavericks and the Clippers at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Kawhi Leonard Saga Enters Uncharted Territory With Federal Probe

News of the probe comes a week after the NBA announced its punishment.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

9/15/26 – NFL Kickoff Ratings Dip, Ballmer Accepts Punishment, Sweeney Ad Backlash

0:00

Featured Today

Oct 4, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; General action during the first period of the game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Mullett Arena

How Military-Style Workouts in College Sports Get Dangerous

For elite athletes, high-intensity training can be “very appealing.”
September 6, 2026

Is Carolyn Tisch Blodgett the Future Face of Giants Ownership?

Amid changes at top of Giants ownership, eyes are on Tisch Blodgett.
September 4, 2026

Wild Transfer Window Shows How Premier League Towers Over Soccer

Spending in England vastly outstripped the rest of Europe.
September 3, 2026

Teams Are Spending Millions to Build Luxury Locker Rooms

It’s a recruiting pitch, a retention tool, and a seven-figure line item.
September 1, 2026

High School Football Sidelines Are Clogged With Content Creators

Administrators call these amateur newcomers the “pajama paparazzi.”
Aug 28, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) warms up against the Seattle Seahawks prior to a game at Arrowhead Stadium.

Mahomes Comeback Kicks Off ESPN ‘MNF’ Coverage

The two-time NFL MVP is completing a remarkable injury recovery.
September 12, 2026

Rybakina Wins First US Open Title, World No. 1, and $5.5M

The 27-year-old will officially become No. 1 in the world on Monday.
September 13, 2026

Myles Garrett’s Knee Surgery Adds to Rams’ Early Woes

He’ll miss at least four games on IR.
Sponsored

Drew Weatherford’s Bet on the Youth Sports Economy

Drew Weatherford discusses investing across the youth, college and professional levels.
September 11, 2026

Taylor Fritz’s Latest Ball Complaint: Retail Ones Are ‘Miserable’

Fritz was knocked out of the US Open in the third round.
September 11, 2026

US Open Ticket Prices Collapse for First Men’s Semifinal

The get-in for Zverev-Khachanov dipped below $30 Friday morning.
September 9, 2026

Late-Night Shelton-Alcaraz Thriller Raises Questions for US Open

Alcaraz and Shelton’s match ended at 3:34 a.m. ET.
September 8, 2026

Puka Nacua Remains Eligible for Rams Australia Opener

His disciplinary case is still under review.