Shaquille O’Neal’s business ventures are extensive, much like his formidable presence on the basketball court during his playing days. Now, his son is reportedly stepping in to play a part in this empire.
While Shaq serves as the president of basketball for Reebok, working to revitalize the sportswear giant, he is also empowering his son, Shareef, with increased responsibilities for his personal brand. This move is intended to help the NBA icon’s brand resonate with a younger audience, according to The Spun.
The young O’Neal has been named the creative strategist for the Shaq Brand. In this role, the younger O’Neal will be tasked with introducing a fresh perspective that connects sports, culture, and contemporary storytelling for the brand, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
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Shareef is already making a mark on the Shaq Brand, as O’Neal discussed on the most recent episode of “The Big Podcast.”
“My son is taking over now because my s—t was kind of old and he said, ‘Dad, let me create something for the YNs.’ I didn’t even know what YNs were,” the Hall of Famer admitted. “I was like ‘What’s the YNs?’ He said, ‘Don’t worry about it.’ … A lot of these are his design, so yeah. [Shout out to Shareef].”
Despite a heart complication interrupting what looked like a very promising basketball career, Shareef, 25, worked his way back to land a 10-day contract with the Sacramento Kings last October.
He is now joining the family business, aiming to elevate his father’s brand, Shaq Brand, to the next level.
It is quite impressive to witness Shareef entering the business world alongside his father, aiming to elevate the Shaq Brand. During his 19-year NBA career, Shaq earned nearly $287 million, which doesn’t account for the many lucrative endorsements he secured as one of the league’s most recognizable figures.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the 25-year-old is also venturing into business beyond his father’s company. He recently signed with Wasserman, a talent management firm for sports, music, and entertainment.
This partnership aims to broaden O’Neal’s opportunities outside of basketball, focusing on the intersection of sports and the creator economy.
READ ALSO: Shaquille O’Neal gifts $20,000 to youth at Atlanta gala
He will collaborate with Wasserman’s marketing, media, and entertainment divisions. Jamie Stein and Matt Massimino from The Montag Group will manage his representation.
“As I step into this next chapter and focus on building an empire beyond the court, Wasserman was the obvious choice,” O’Neal said in a statement on Tuesday. “I’m grateful for their belief in me and excited to push boundaries and create a legacy that goes far beyond the game.”
O’Neal is now focused on establishing a legacy that extends beyond the basketball court, particularly in the sports and entertainment spheres, emulating his father’s actions. His move into the entertainment industry, facilitated by Wasserman, aligns with other prominent basketball players who have significantly ventured into film and television, often by launching their own production companies.
This year, his venture into digital media will grow as he leads a discussion at TwitchCon focused on the intersection of streaming, gaming, and sports.
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