Shaq is – as of this writing – out of the ownership role he had with one NBA team, but he’s certainly interested in joining up with a new team that might eventually own a team.
Up until only recently (earlier this year) O’Neal was a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings, but he had to relinquish that stake in the team when he became involved as a “brand ambassador” (one of his favorite marketing things) to a Las Vegas-based online sports betting operation.
Still, in a recent interview with TMZ Sports, Shaq said he’s interested in getting back into the ownership game, and this time he wants to be “heavily involved!”
In the past, O’Neal has talked about putting together an ownership team – perhaps including his old teammate Penny Hardaway – to buy their old team, the Orlando Magic. We don’t know where that plan is right now… and O’Neal is now talking about a potential, maybe, possible plan to join the team interested in picking up the Phoenix Suns.
In the TMZ interview Shaq noted that – as of now – there’s been no word from current Suns ownership about any change. But even if it’s not the Suns – who the big man played for towards the end of his hoops career – he’s still interested in owning a team.
“I haven’t had any discussions with my partners, so I can’t make the statement yet, but we’re still looking to be heavily involved in purchasing an NBA team,” Shaq told TMZ.
The idea started circulating over the summer of Shaq’s interest in the Suns. At the time, the big man said he did not want to get into a bidding war with one of the biggest (money) guys out there, former Amazon owner Jeff Bezos. (or “Big Man JB,” as Shaq calls him).
For now, it seems Bezos has shifted his gaze from the NBA to the National Football League. He’s talked openly about his interest in perhaps buying the Washington Commanders. BTW, Bezos also says he would team up with rapper Jay-Z on that potential ownership team. What a combination!
Of course TMZ couldn’t resist… asking O’Neal if he might be interested in owning an NFL franchise. The big man said yes…maybe:
“Yeah, but this time around when I purchase a team, I want to be heavily involved. I would like it to be in a place where I’m living at. If it ain’t the Dolphins, the Cowboys, or the Raiders, and those teams are way too expensive for me, but my main man JB can write that check!”
Finally, TMZ asked about Shaq’s legendary Super Bowl parties. In case you were wondering… yes, there will be another wild and crazy edition of Shaq’s Fun House this year. It’s considered by many the best party in all of Super Bowl week! This year will be Fun House number 5.
This year’s party will be Friday, February 10 in the Phoenix area. Just 2 days before the big game… stay tuned for details!