Have you ever wondered what motivates Shaquille O’Neal? Not only did the 7-footer build a formidable basketball legacy, but he also translated his success off-court. From owning local car washes and restaurants to owning shares in tech companies Google and Lyft, O’Neal has built a proper business empire. But what keeps him going? He once admitted that the driving force was “fear” as “Seventy-five percent of all athletes go broke two years after they’re playing,” he said. Well, for the $400 million worth legend, this should not be a problem. But while he might not go broke, he is likely to face some stiff competition from the GOAT of another sport.
Tennis icon Serena Williams has entered the fray as well. With several businesses like ‘Serena Ventures’, ‘Nine Two Six Productions’ and ‘Will Perform’, she seems to be a tough competition for Shaq. Yet Shaquille O’Neal is steadily pushing his businesses further.
Shaquille O’Neal is constantly looking to reinvent, to innovate. His Big Chicken restaurant chain has been flourishing, but Diesel doesn’t intend to stop. Even though each location cost up to $1.4 million, over 150 more locations are under construction. And even the existing stores are getting upgrades!
Suffice it to say, even with a sprawling empire, the former champion for the Miami Heat remains invested in bringing the best to his investments. While Magic Johnson couldn’t stop gushing about Shaq’s prowess, Serena Williams might soon be breaching into his territory.
Is Shaquille O’Neal threatened by Serena Williams?
Following the big man’s model is going to be tough for any newcomers. Due to his fun-loving personality, and reputation to boot, the relationship-building aspect of his business empire comes easily to Shaq. So, for someone to follow the mode, they’d have to exhibit those same traits.
On top of that, they would need to be universally beloved. Enter Serena Williams. The 23x Singles Grand Slam Champion is slowly building up her own legacy in the business sphere.
In a similar vein to the 4-time NBA Champion, the $260 million worth legend started a venture capital fund in hopes of investing in underrepresented founders and women. Whether it be the partners she works with or the investments she supports, her model is a direct by-product of a certain 7-footer. Additionally, both Williams and O’Neal are able to successfully leverage their personal brands and popularity to attract attention, diversify their businesses and use their influence to promote their businesses.
