• Loading stock data...
Friday, December 6, 2024
Tune in on Dec. 11 at 1:05 p.m. ET for our last Future of Sports virtual summit of the year – Future of Sports: Marketing! Register Now

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.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jul 20, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver arrives prior to the WNBA All Star Game at Footprint Center.

NBA Set for China Return Five Years After Morey–Hong Kong Fiasco

The Nets and Suns will play two games in Macao in October 2025.

Las Vegas Doubles Down on Sports With $1.75B Ballpark and NBA Arena

Ballpark and arena projects in the booming sports market receive key approvals.
Sep 21, 2024; Provo, Utah, USA; Brigham Young Cougars alumni and Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith speaks with Adrian Wojnarowski in the game against the Kansas State Wildcats at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

Adrian Wojnarowski Reveals Cancer Diagnosis Influenced His ESPN Departure

The former ESPN NBA insider said his prostate cancer prognosis is good.
Dec 1, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens safety Ar'Darius Washington (29) tackles Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) on the one yard line during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium.

NFL Relaxes Drug Policy by Reducing Fines and Resetting Violation Clocks

It makes it harder to test positive for marijuana and reduces fines.

Featured Today

Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; FIFA president Gianni Infantino claps during the awards ceremony after the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium.

FIFA Wants More Matches. Resistance Is Growing Inside the Global Soccer World

Resentment and frustration over expanded schedules is nearing a breaking point.
November 30, 2024

U.S. Investors Are Gunning for England’s Small Soccer Clubs

Is another Hollywood-like success story possible among the U.K.’s smallest clubs?
Nov 1, 2024; Boise, Idaho, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty (2) leads the team onto the field prior to the first quarter against the San Diego State Aztecs at Albertsons Stadium.
November 29, 2024

Schools Are Scrambling to Prepare for the NCAA Revenue-Sharing Era

In the post–House v. NCAA world, “everyone’s kind of on their own.”
Nov 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Recording artist Taylor Swift arrives prior to a game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
November 29, 2024

The PWHL Could Be Inviting a Date With Taylor Swift’s Legal Team

The Toronto Sceptres may have opened a Pandora’s box of trademark issues.
Luis Severino

Mere $67 Million for Pitcher Is Largest Deal in A’s History 

Severino had a strong season with the Mets after a tough 2023.
December 5, 2024

Hamilton’s Mercedes Era Ends in F1 Finale Amid Rising Tensions, Drama

Hamilton delivered eight constructors’ and six drivers’ championships for Mercedes.
Jewell Loyd
December 5, 2024

Jewell Loyd Asks Out of Storm After Investigation Finds No Wrongdoing

Loyd reportedly filed the complaint of harassment and bullying by the coaches.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Oct 14, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto (22) hits a solo home run during the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians in game one of the ALCS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium.
December 4, 2024

Juan Soto’s $600M Free-Agent Saga Nears Endgame: The Finalists?

The coveted free-agent outfielder remains poised to sign a historic deal.
Kyrie Irving
December 3, 2024

Therapist Sues Kyrie Irving Over $400K Bill After Death at Family Retreat

The suit says she was stiffed on bills for a 150-person retreat.
Oct 1, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) drives past New York Liberty forwards Kayla Thornton (5) and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (44) during game two of the 2024 WNBA Semi-finals at Barclays Center.
November 28, 2024

Kelsey Plum Backs Out of Unrivaled

She’s skipping the new league’s season, along with Caitlin Clark.
Conor McGregor speaks to press on the red carpet before the premiere of Road House at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas on the first day of South by Southwest, Friday, March 8, 2024. McGregor plays the character "Knox" in the movie.
November 26, 2024

Two Big Brands Drop Conor McGregor After Rape Civil Verdict

McGregor’s whisky brand won’t feature him going forward.