Shaquille O’Neal Net Worth, Money and More
Net Worth: $350 Million
Profession: Retired basketball player, entrepreneur, television host, rapper
This retired basketball player is more than just what he seems he is. He is multi-talented and multi-faceted and has turned his abilities to earn him those few extra bucks that incidentally shot him to instant fame and glam. Shaquille O’Neal was born on March 6th, 1972 in Newark, New Jersey to parents Lucille O’Neal and Joe Toney.
A born athlete
He is one of those few who can be called as born athletes. While still in high school Shaq started to gain attention for his basketball talent. In his senior year he led the Robert G. Cole High School team to the state championship. O’Neal went on to Louisiana State University where he became a two-time SEC player of the year and a two-time All American. He also received the Adolph Rupp’s Trophy for the NCAA men’s basketball player of the year in 1991.
This NBA superstar, in the year 1992, became the first overall pick for the Orlando Magic. A year later he was named the Rookie of the year and voted an All Star-starter which had not been accomplished since Michael Jordan. Getting Shaq on their team turned out to be truly luck for Orlando Magic, for in their very second season Shaq led them team into finals.
Apart from being the best athlete that he is, Shaq is also known for his vocal skills. He explored his options of being a rapper in the music industry and made it big overnight. He released his rap albums, Shaq Diesel in the year 1993 and You Can’t Stop the Reign in the year 1998.
In 1996 Shaq moved to Los Angeles for a $120 million contract and the chance to enhance his acting and rap music careers. Along with Kobe Bryant, O’Neal won the NBA championship three consecutive years with the Lakers, from 2000-2002. In 2003, he partnered with 24 Hour Fitness club to create several fitness clubs in Florida.After eight seasons in Los Angeles, he was traded to the Miami Heat in 2004. After retiring from the NBA, O’Neal became a basketball analyst for TNT.
In addition to sports and rapping, he has tried his luck on the celluloid as well. Shaq had appeared in films like Blue Chips, Kazaam, Steel, The Wash and more. His television debut was in his own reality show in 2007, Shaq’s Big Challenge. Shaquille is now a frequent commentator on NBA games and still appears in many commercials.
Money just keeps pouring in
The big bucks just keep coming to through one opportunity or another. During the Olympics Shaq announced his plans to join the Los Angeles Lakers as part of a seven year $121 million deal. In 2005 Shaq singed a 5-year contract with the Miami Heat for $100 million. His endorsement deals with brands like VitaminWater, Burger King, Kraft Foods, Pepsi, Comcast, Radio Shack and Reebok earned him around 15 Million a year now.
O’Neal earned $292 million in salary during his 19-year career and nearly as much from endorsements. He has also made it to the Forbes rich list of the highest paid athletes around the world.
Salary by year and team:
- 1992-93 Orlando Magic $3,000,000
- 1993-94 Orlando Magic $3,900,000
- 1994-95 Orlando Magic $4,800,000
- 1995-96 Orlando Magic $5,700,000
- 1996-97 Los Angeles Lakers $10,714,000
- 1997-98 Los Angeles Lakers $12,857,143
- 1998-99 Los Angeles Lakers $15,000,000
- 1999-00 Los Angeles Lakers $17,142,858
- 2000-01 Los Angeles Lakers $19,285,715
- 2001-02 Los Angeles Lakers $21,428,572
- 2002-03 Los Angeles Lakers $23,571,429
- 2003-04 Los Angeles Lakers $24,749,999
- 2004-05 Miami Heat $27,696,430
- 2005-06 Miami Heat $20,000,000
- 2006-07 Miami Heat $20,000,000
- 2007-08 Phoenix Suns $20,000,000
- 2008-09 Phoenix Suns $21,000,000
- 2009-10 Cleveland Cavaliers $20,000,000
- 2010-11 Boston Celtics $1,352,181
In addition to all this, the highest and the most recent payment of his career was when he pocketed around $292,198,327 from his rookie season in 1992 through the 2010-11 season.
Estates and cars
Shaq owns a Moroccan estate, Villa Stella in the Star Island which is estimated to be around $24 million. He also owns a house in Florida which he is said to have purchased for $235,000. Shaquille also owns a private jet, which he supposedly gifted to his wife. The jet is estimated to cost around 430 million.
For a man of such demeanor, it is only normal to expect him to drive around in fancy and monstrous cars that cost a fortune. He was seen driving the much coveted Rolls Royce Phantom, which is priced at $403,000. He also owns a Lamborghini Gallardo, Cadillac Escalade and of course the Mercdes-Benz SL550.
Big on charity
Like all major celebrities, Shaq is also a major supporter of charities and causes. He said to have donated $1 million to the charity to create technology centers in Clubs nationwide. The group is dedicated to youth career development programs. He has also been associated with the cause Kids Wish Network, which is a national charitable association that is involved in developing the life of children facing conditions, to make their dreams come true.
A confused marriage
Shaq married Shaunie Nelson in the year 2002 and the couple had two kids together. In the year 2007, their marriage started falling apart and a series of divorce files were witnessed. Although the couple retracted them a few times, their marriage finally hit the rocks in 2009 when they finally decided to part ways. Shaq had to shell out some big bucks to Shaunie after their divorce settlement. In 2010, Shaq started dating reality television star Nikki Hoopz Alexander.
