Shaquille O’Neal‘s The Big Podcast and Angel Reese‘s Unapologetically Angel have captivated fans with their mix of sports insights, cultural commentary, and fun personal stories. Both shows are part of Playmaker HQ, which operates under Better Collective, a media giant valued at $820 million.
Yet recent financial hurdles at Better Collective could bring unexpected challenges to these beloved podcasts.
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese extend their intense rivalry beyond the court
In late October, Better Collective announced over 100 layoffs, citing challenges in the U.S. and slower growth in Brazil. This announcement led to a staggering 36.5 percent drop in the company’s stock and a downgraded revenue outlook for 2024, from a possible $460 million down to as low as $385 million.
While the shows have maintained their popularity, the broader company struggles might bring cutbacks that impact them.
According to Social Blade, The Big Podcast with Shaq generates anywhere from $9,700 to $155,800 annually from YouTube views alone.
However, for O’Neal, these figures are just a small part of his income, which is largely bolstered by sponsorships and ad deals.
With a total NBA salary of $292 million and another $200 million from endorsements, Shaq‘s business acumen has kept him thriving even after retirement.
From Papa John’s franchises in Atlanta to a profitable sale of his stake in the Sacramento Kings, Shaq has made strategic moves to grow his wealth well beyond sports.
For Shaq, The Big Podcast is more about connecting with fans than relying on it for income, so its potential loss would be disappointing but not financially impactful.
Potential impact on Reese’s podcast
In contrast, Unapologetically Angel plays a more essential role for WNBA star Angel Reese. Unlike Shaq, Reese depends on her podcast as a meaningful supplement to her WNBA earnings, which are relatively modest.
Unapologetically Angel brings in an estimated $5,200 to $82,800 monthly, filling a critical income gap given her WNBA salary of $73,439-barely above the minimum and far below the league’s maximum of $241,984.
Reese has candidly shared that her $8,000 monthly rent alone stretches her budget thin, joking, “I’m living beyond my means!” For Reese, losing her podcast would have a substantial impact on her income and lifestyle.
