Shaquille O'Neal aims for opportunities in AI — he has scored millions in returns from investments

NBA legend, Shaquille O'Neal is a towering figure in the world of business as well. With several investments under his belt, Shaq ventured into fast food with his 'Big Chicken' franchise in 2018. By 2024, the chain has expanded to over 350 locations and is now venturing into something unprecedented. With Shaq’s recent interest in Artificial Intelligence, his chicken franchise has made a move in the trillion-dollar space. 

Shaq's Big Chicken ventures into AI

Recently, Darren Marble, the CEO of CrowdfundX, a marketing firm that uses AI and digital marketing to draw in customers announced that his campaign has secured a $750,000 allocation in Shaq’s Big Chicken. 

As per Essentially Sports, it is unclear what the allocation is, but with Marble and O’Neal working together, the possibilities are endless. Previously, Big Chicken partnered with intelligent Kiosk firm, Bite, to bring guests a chance to try some of Founder Shaquille O’Neal’s "Family Secret Menu". 

Thus, it seems like Shaq is equally skilled in business as he is in the court. The fast food chain is only a part of Shaq's massive portfolio which has allowed him to amass a substantial net worth. 

Over his 19-year-long career, he has earned many accolades and also amassed a staggering wealth, his impact has crossed the boundaries of court and seeped into the world of business, television, and philanthropy. Here's a look at his career, net worth, and more.

O'Neal is worth $500 million at the time of writing, as per Celebrity Net Worth. He is currently serving as a sports analyst and is considered one of the greatest NBA players in history. O'Neal has also released four rap albums over the years and featured in numerous films and TV shows.

Born in Newark, New Jersey on March 6, 1972, O'Neil was interested in basketball from an early age. In high school, he played for the Louisiana State University Team where he became a two-time consensus Southeastern Conference Player of the Year. 

The 19-year-long basketball career of O'Neal is packed with accolades and appreciation. O'Neil has bagged the scoring title, an MVP, and three championships with the Los Angeles Lakers before transitioning to Miami Heat where he won more championships. The man has also played for the Orlando Magic and the Phoenix Suns. He is known for being one of the greatest shooters in the history of the NBA. The celebrated basketball player announced his retirement in 2011 after a very successful run.

He moved on to compose rap and released five amazing studio albums along with one compilation album. Shaq O'Neil has also featured alongside the King of Pop Michael Jackson as a guest rapper on "2 Bad", a song from Jackson's 1995.

In the early nineties, when Shaq had already become a household name. He went on to explore careers outside of the court. He entered the rap and film industry and appeared in films like "Blue Chips" and "Kazaam". He has also appeared in other television programs like "Curb Your Enthusiasm", "The Parkers" and also "Shaq Diesel" which was released in 1993 and went on to become certified platinum. He still is a DJ and produces music under the name DIESEL. Shaq has also been seen in many video games over the years, he even released his first single from his debut album, "Bang Your Head."