You probably know Shaquille O'Neal as the guy who used to tear down backboards or the hilarious giant on Inside the NBA. But if you think he's just living off old NBA checks, you're way off. Honestly, Shaq is a walking masterclass in how to build a business empire without losing your soul—or your sense of humor. He isn't just "rich" in the celebrity sense; he's basically a one-man economy.
The sheer scale of what all does shaq own is enough to make a Wall Street analyst dizzy. We aren't just talking about a few shoe deals and some TV commercials. We're talking about hundreds of physical locations, massive stakes in global brands, and a tech portfolio that would make most Silicon Valley VCs jealous.
The Franchise King (Wait, He Sold What?)
There’s a common myth that Shaq still owns half of the Five Guys in America. People love that stat. But here’s the reality: he actually sold his stake in 155 Five Guys restaurants back in 2016. He used that capital to pivot.
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Today, his "brick and mortar" empire looks a little different. He’s obsessed with things people actually use every day. Think about it. When was the last time you went a week without seeing a car wash or needing a quick snack?
- Car Washes: He owns roughly 150 car washes. It’s a "boring" business, but it’s incredibly stable.
- 24-Hour Fitness: Shaq has about 40 of these locations, mostly concentrated in the Atlanta area.
- Papa John’s: He doesn't just own 9 locations in Atlanta; he’s literally on the Board of Directors. He's the first African American to hold that seat in the company’s history.
- Krispy Kreme: He owns the historic Ponce de Leon location in Atlanta. He famously loves the "Hot Now" sign so much he decided he needed to own a piece of it.
Big Chicken: The Flagship Brand
If you want to know what Shaq is really passionate about right now, it’s Big Chicken. He co-founded this brand in 2018, and it’s growing like wildfire. As of early 2026, there are over 40 locations open, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. They have hundreds more in development.
What’s cool is where these are popping up. You’ll find them in traditional storefronts, but also in sports arenas, airports, and even on Carnival Cruise Line ships. He’s recently been pushing "Big Dip Energy"—a monthly rotation of limited-time sauces—to keep the menu feeling fresh. It’s a very "Shaq" way to run a business: keep it big, keep it fun, and make sure the food is actually good.
The Secret Power Play: Authentic Brands Group
This is the part most people miss when they ask what all does shaq own. In 2015, Shaq did something brilliant. He sold the rights to his own brand—the "Shaq" name, likeness, and intellectual property—to a company called Authentic Brands Group (ABG).
In exchange, he became the second-largest individual shareholder in ABG. Why does that matter? Because ABG owns a ton of iconic brands. When you see someone wearing Reebok, Champion, or Quiksilver, or when you see Marilyn Monroe or Elvis Presley merchandise, Shaq is essentially getting a cut.
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He basically traded "being a brand" for "owning a company that owns brands." It’s a move that ensures his family will be taken care of for generations, long after he’s done doing Icy Hot commercials.
The "Accidental" Tech Genius
Shaq’s tech portfolio is the stuff of legend. He famously invested in Google before it was even a household name. He literally overheard some guys talking about it while he was "babysitting" (his words) at a Four Seasons hotel. He put in $250,000 and allegedly forgot about it until he read in a newspaper how much it was worth years later.
Then there’s Ring. Shaq didn't want to pay $80,000 for a professional security system for his house. He went to Best Buy, bought a Ring doorbell, loved it, and then tracked down the CEO to invest. When Amazon bought Ring for a billion dollars in 2018, Shaq's "frugality" paid off in a massive way.
Why His Strategy Works (And Yours Can Too)
Shaq doesn't just buy things to see his name on the building. He has a very specific "Big Aristotle" philosophy:
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- Invest in what you use. He doesn't drink coffee, so he famously turned down a chance to invest in Starbucks. He eats burgers and pizza, so he bought those.
- It’s about the people. He often says he doesn't care about the money as much as whether the product "changes people's lives" or makes them smile.
- Diversify like crazy. He has infrastructure projects with Jacmel Partners, candy lines (Shaq-A-Licious gummies), and even a stake in a minor league baseball team at one point.
Basically, if it’s a business that serves the "regular guy," Shaq wants in. He’s moved away from just being an "athlete with money" to being a legitimate mogul who understands market trends better than most MBAs.
If you’re looking to follow the Shaq playbook, you don't need millions. Start by looking at the brands you actually use and love. That’s where the real value is hidden.
Next Steps for You:
If you want to dive deeper into the franchise world, start by researching the "Initial Franchise Fee" for brands like Big Chicken or Papa John's. It's often more accessible than people think if you have a solid business plan. You might also want to look into "Brand Management" companies to see how the ABG model is being replicated in other industries.