12 Surprising Things Shaq Owns (Including 155 Five Guys Franchises)
After stepping off the court in 2011, Shaquille O’Neal built a wide-ranging business portfolio that includes fast food chains, gyms, real estate, and licensing. Rather than staying in one lane, Shaq has kept his focus broad, tying business and outreach together to reflect his public image and personal priorities.
Five Guys
Credit: flickr
Shaquille O’Neal once owned 155 Five Guys franchises—more than 10% of the company. He viewed the burger chain as a smart investment early in his post-NBA business run, focusing on brands with strong customer loyalty and consistent demand. Eventually, he sold his stake to focus on launching his ventures, including his fried chicken concept, Big Chicken.
Papa John’s
Credit: flickr
In 2019, Shaquille O’Neal marked a significant stake in Papa John’s board by investing in nine stores around Atlanta, including one near Georgia Tech with his footprints at the entrance and a custom phone number, 470-444-SHAQ. A year later, he introduced the Shaq-a-Roni pizza. The large pie’s single sale sent one dollar to Papa John’s Foundation to support youth programs and food access.
Auntie Anne’s
Credit: flickr
Seventeen Auntie Anne’s locations in malls and airports were once part of Shaquille O’Neal’s business lineup. He partnered with V&J Foods in 2007 to open and manage the stores. By 2022, he decided to sell. On the “Earn Your Leisure” podcast, he explained the choice bluntly: “Black people don’t like pretzels that much.”
Big Chicken
Credit: Reddit
Big Chicken opened in 2018 in Las Vegas. Its menu included fried chicken sandwiches, mac and cheese, and oversized cookies. Shaq named menu items after people in his life, including “Charles Barkley” and “Uncle Jerome.” The restaurant expanded into California, Texas, New York, and Carnival cruise ships.
24 Hour Fitness
Credit: Facebook
In 2004, 24 Hour Fitness opened its first Miami location under Shaq Sport Club. Shaquille O’Neal joined the brand to support fitness spaces focused on accessibility and community use. He later expanded his involvement by owning 40 gyms, mainly in Atlanta.
Car Wash Franchises
Credit: Reddit
Shaq owns around 150 car washes across the U.S., focusing on a business model built around steady demand and repeat customers. He expanded the operation through franchising, which allowed him to scale. In his 2011 book Shaq Uncut, he described finding $250,000 in quarters stored in barrels at home—uncounted profits from his coin-operated car washes.
Reebok
Credit: Reddit
Reebok signed Shaq in 1992 just as he entered the NBA, kicking off a sneaker run that started with the now-classic “Shaq Attaq.” Nearly three decades later, he helped bring the brand full circle. In 2021, as a major player in Authentic Brands Group, he helped close a $2.4 billion deal to buy Reebok from Adidas.
JCPenney
Credit: flickr
A significant stake in Authentic Brands Group put Shaq in a position to help guide JCPenney’s future. In 2018, the store introduced its “XLG” clothing line, offering options for big and tall men often overlooked by mainstream fashion. He also supported the “Shaq-to-School” program, which provided shopping sprees for needy students.
Forever 21
Credit: flickr
Forever 21 landed under Authentic Brands Group in 2020, just as it worked through bankruptcy. As the second-largest individual shareholder in ABG, Shaquille O’Neal shaped the brand’s next steps. The focus shifted toward stronger online sales and tapping into youth culture through collaborations, including a tie-in with Netflix’s Rebel Moon.
“Sacramento Kings” NBA Team
Credit: Facebook
In 2013, Shaquille O’Neal surprised fans by buying a stake in the Sacramento Kings, once one of his fiercest rivals during his Lakers days. He leaned into the irony, calling them the “Shaqramento Kings” and joined efforts to support player development. His ownership ended in 2022 after he signed on with WynnBET, since NBA rules don’t allow partnerships with gambling companies.
Icy Hot
Credit: Facebook
In 2003, Shaquille O’Neal began working with Icy Hot during his playing career. A trainer applied it to treat a bruise, causing a reaction, but he saw the benefit and agreed to endorse it. In 2021, Icy Hot and The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation started the “Comebaq Courts” project to restore public basketball courts and support youth access to physical activity.
Google
Credit: flickr
In 1999, Shaq was among the early backers of Google, who invested $250,000 during its early funding round. He was introduced to the opportunity by a tech investor he met at a hotel in Los Angeles. At the time, Google’s estimated value was $100 million. The investment later grew into one of his biggest financial wins.
Pepsi
Credit: Facebook
Pepsi featured Shaq in several national ad campaigns in the 1990s, beginning a partnership that has lasted more than three decades. In 2023, he appeared in the “I Wish” campaign to promote Pepsi Mini Cans. In 2024, he worked with Reebok and Pepsi to release a custom sneaker with a compartment in the sole designed to hold a Mini Can.
Apple
Credit: flickr
Shaquille O’Neal keeps his investment rules simple—if it’s in his hand or on his kitchen counter, it might end up in his portfolio. Apple made the cut because he used it, liked it, and saw the value firsthand. He’s said before that he only invests in products he enjoys.
Elvis Presley’s Estate (Sort Of)
credit: pexels
Shaq partially owns Elvis Presley’s name, image, and likeness through his stake in Authentic Brands Group. That means when Graceland merchandise moves or Elvis shows up in a commercial, Shaq gets a slice. It’s probably the only time you’ll hear “Hound Dog” and think of basketball royalty.
Marilyn Monroe’s Likeness Rights
credit: pexels
Yes, Shaq technically owns part of Marilyn Monroe. His investment in Authentic Brands Group includes the licensing rights to Monroe’s image and branding. So next time you see her face on a perfume ad or T-shirt, know that the Big Aristotle might be quietly cashing in behind the scenes.
Ring
Credit: flickr
After receiving an $80,000 quote for home security, Shaq went to Best Buy and bought a Ring doorbell. He installed it himself and later approached the company’s CEO at CES in 2015. In 2018, Amazon acquired Ring for over $1 billion. The decision to back a product he used was a goldmine move.