With four NBA Championships and a Hall of Fame induction under his belt, Shaquille O’Neal has had a truly blessed life to this point.
After a successful NBA career, he has ventured into the business world with remarkable success. His moves have not only earned him a net worth of 450 million dollars but also reflect his commitment to bridging the gap between the rich and poor and fostering national growth. Interestingly, his drive and motivation stem from an unusual source: jealousy.
Lebron James was the reason his wife had to fight against other women
During the latest episode of Draymond Green‘s podcast, the Golden State Warriors star delved into a significant business move Shaq made with Authentic Brand Group (ABG). Green revealed that people referred to ABG as “the company Shaq partnered with,” rather than “the company Shaq sold his business to.”
This intrigued Green, prompting him to ask why Shaq chose a partnership over a straight sale. Shaq‘s answer? Jealousy of LeBron James.
What did Shaq say?
Shaq admitted that jealousy has been a powerful motivator throughout his life. He envied the shooting prowess of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, wishing he could play like them. But his most profound envy was reserved for LeBron James.
“I’m jealous of Bron. He is almost a billionaire and I am not,” Shaq confessed.
While jealousy often breeds negativity, Shaq chose to harness it differently.
“Instead of taking that jealousy and turning it into hate, it turns into motivation,” he explained.
It all began when he contemplated his legacy. As retirement loomed, Shaq worried that he might fade from public memory.
He wanted his name to endure, much like icons Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe, who continue to generate revenue posthumously. This realization led him to pitch his brand to potential partners, seeking a way to ensure his legacy lived on.
Shaq approached two companies, presenting his vision and achievements.
“This is who I am, and this is what I built. Would you be interested in a partnership?” he asked.
Authentic Brand Group saw the potential and made him an offer. In return, Shaq proposed investing in ABG.
“They wrote me a big cheque, I wrote them a big cheque… basically what this does is just make sure my name lives forever.”
