Net Worth: $500 Million
What Is Shaq’s Net Worth
ChinaImages / Depositphotos.comShaq’s net worth is estimated to be $500 million. The multi-talented Shaquille O’Neal has earned his fortune over an impressive career that has included NBA basketball player, actor, rapper, DJ, and entrepreneur.
During his NBA career, Shaq racked up many huge milestones including four NBA Championships, three NBA Finals MVP awards, and 15 All-Star selections. Shaq retired after 19 years in the league and today he’s an accomplished businessman who has put his NBA money to excellent use.
Let’s dive into Shaq’s net worth by taking a close look at his NBA earnings, her endorsement deals, his various secondary careers, and his work as an entrepreneur.
How Much Does Shaquille O’Neal Earn Per Year?
Shaq put his money to work for him following the end of his career as a professional basketball player. The NBA MVP said during an interview that he still earns around $60 million from his post-NBA business ventures.
According to Mediacoverage.com, “He continues to earn an astonishing $60 million per year from various endorsements and business endeavors. It is not surprising that brands are eager to partner with him, given his magnetic personality and broad appeal.”
Shaq’s business dealings also include sitting on the board of other companies, and much more that we’ll give into as we examine Shaq’s net worth in depth.
How Much Did Shaq Earn In The NBA?
ChinaImages / Depositphotos.comDuring his 19-year career in the NBA, Shaq played for six teams and earned a combined salary of $286.34 million.
The big man spent the majority of his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he played for nine seasons while earning $166.59 million.
Shaq’s NBA salary stats below are provided by Spotrac.com which provides generalized stats for athlete salaries along with more in-depth transactions data where available.
| Year | Total Pay |
|---|---|
| 1992-93 | $3,000,000 |
| 1993-94 | $3,900,000 |
| 1994-95 | $4,800,000 |
| 1995-96 | $5,700,000 |
| 1996-97 | $10,714,000 |
| 1997-98 | $12,857,143 |
| 1998-99 | $9,146,341 |
| 1999-00 | $17,142,858 |
| 2000-01 | $19,285,715 |
| 2001-02 | $21,428,572 |
| 2002-03 | $23,571,429 |
| 2003-04 | $24,749,999 |
| 2004-05 | $27,696,430 |
| 2005-06 | $20,000,000 |
| 2006-07 | $20,000,000 |
| 2007-08 | $20,000,000 |
| 2008-09 | $21,000,000 |
| 2009-10 | $20,000,000 |
| 2010-11 | $1,352,181 |
| Total Earnings | $286,344,668 |
Shaq’s Net Worth Grew By $200 Million From Brand Endorsements During His Playing Years
Shaquille O’Neal has been one of the most sought-after athletes in terms of endorsements. His work with major brands is estimated to have earned him $200 million during his playing days. He continues to appear in ad spots which has likely increased that total by millions more since his retirement.
In 1993 the Los Angeles Times reported that Shaq had signed deals with Reebok and Kenner Parker Toys were already earning the rookie sensation a whopping $30 million.
At the same time, Pepsi announced that it was signing Shaquille O’Neal to a contract worth $10 million. That deal almost kept Shaq off the “Dream Team” at the Summer Olympics. The team was endorsed by McDonald’s and Coca-Cola, the latter of which was in danger of violating Shaq’s non-compete clause. Pepsi made a last-minute exception so the team could include the NBA’s big man.
Here’s a throwback to one of Shaq’s Pepsi commercials from 1997.
Some of Shaq’s other brand deals have included Icy Hot, NBA 2K, Taco Bell, Wheaties, and JCPenny.
How Much Does Papa John’s Pay Shaq?
Papa JohnsShaq joined the board of directors at Papa John’s in 2019. In his role at the company, Shaq was tasked with helping clean up Papa John’s image after company founder John Schnatter was forced out following several public meltdowns.
As a member of the board and its main brand ambassador, Shaq was offered $8.25 million in stock and salary for three years.
In 2022 the company announced that they were very pleased with Shaq’s involvement. The company gave Shaq a new three-year contract with a pay increase that brought his new deal to $11 million.
Shaq Once Owned 10% Of The Five Guys Burgers Restaurants
According to Money.com, Shaquille O’Neal at one point owned 155 Five Guys restaurants, or 10 percent of the company portfolio. According to Sporstkeeda, Shaq paid around $100 million for his ownership stake.
The NBA all-star eventually sold his holdings in the company. While the price of his sale has not been publicly disclosed, the rising status of Five Guys likely led to a hefty profit from his sale.
Shaq Co-Developed A High-Rise Apartment Complex In Newark
777 McCarter / ShaqShaq was the co-developer high-rise apartment complex in Newark, New Jersey, in 2019.
The building cost $80 million to build and includes 12,000 square of retail and restaurant space.
Shaquille O’Neal was born and raised in Newark and the high rise, in part, was his way to give back to the community. The plans for the building include 20 percent of the space being set aside for affordable housing. The building includes 370 studio, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom apartments.
The 33-story tower is located across from Newark Penn Station.
Shaq Becomes Second Largest Investor In Authentic Brands Group
ChinaImages / Depositphotos.comIn 2021 Shaq spent enough money to become the second-largest investor in the company Authentic Brands Group. The company is behind many recognized brands including Reebok, Barneys New York, Forever 21, Aeropostale, Jones New York, IZOD, and more. You can see the company’s impressive portfolio of brands on its official website.
According to CBInsights, the company has raised a total of $5.125 billion over seven rounds.
In a potentially very smart business move, Shaq was prepared to sell 50% of his personal brand rights over to the company when he proposed, instead, using that money to help grow Authentic Brands Group. Converting what would have been a huge payday into shares in the company made Shaq its second-biggest investor.
Shaq Invests In Various Company’s And One Sold For $1 Billion
ChinaImages / Depositphotos.comShaq’s business investments have earned him hundreds of millions and he doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.
Among his other restaurant investments are Auntie Anne’s and Krispy Kreme Donuts. After you purchase your fat-inducing foods, you can also head to one of his financially backed gyms or get your car washed at one of his invested-in car wash chains.
Shaq also had an early investment in the security company Ring. The doorbell, security camera, and smart lighting company was acquired by Amazon for $1 billion in 2018.
Shaq Made Up To $72 Million Off The Sacramento Kings
s_bukley / Depositphotos.comIn 2013 Shaq bought his way into an estimated 2-4% stake of the Sacramento Kings franchise. In 2021 he sold his stake to become an ambassador for online gambling platform WynnBet.
At the time of the sale, the baseball team was valued at around $1.8 billion. According to The Sports Rush, Shaq earned between $36 million to $72 million.
That’s a nice profit for very little involvement in one of the NBA’s worst teams in league history.
As an added bonus, Shaq is likely earning millions for his work with WynnBet.
Shaq’s net worth of $500 million is impressive and while he has a long way to go before catching up to Michael Jordan’s net worth, with his diversified portfolio of businesses, we expect to see his fortune increase in the years to come.
