Shaquille O’Neal isn’t afraid of investing big and he has been a business mogul for decades now. In his latest adventure, he wanted to buy the Black Entertainment Television (BET) which features and recognizes personalities like him. Teaming up with $40 million rich 50 Cent and film writer Kenya Barris, he wanted to add to his already stellar legacy. However, his dream was shattered by the parent company of the network. But then again, the big-hearted Shaq is undaunted as ever.

In another never-give-up moment, he made a bold proclamation backing up 50 Cent. This comes right after Paramount didn’t sell its majority stake in $3bn mega-venture, Black Entertainment Television (BET).

Shaquille O’Neal remains adamant

On Instagram, O’Neal shared the screenshot of an Essentially Sports article that broke the news of Paramount declining to sell its majority stakes pertaining to the BET networks. He captioned the post as “@50cent we’ll get em next time. @weareauthentic @shaq @pepsi @csalter9 @kenyabarris”.

It is clear the incredible personality is unwilling to let go of the BET. His commitment is astounding considering that Paramount has declared it isn’t willing to sell the stakes. 

Since 1980, the Paramount-owned channel has attracted a lot of audience. Featuring prominent black artists across the boards, their Award show has collected the limelight for years now. So, naturally, there is a hot bidding war going on to buy the major stakes.

When Paramount announced they were going to sell Black Entertainment Television (BET), many bidders lined up. 

The stakes are also high because, alongside BET networks, BET+ and VH1 are up for sale too. It is reported that BET+ has more than 3  million subscribers. The former Magic Center also figured among the list of bidders. Alongside 50 Cent, $1bn worth actor Tyler Perry also threw his weight around.

As per 50 Cent, the asking price was seemingly a little too exorbitant for him. On his Insta, he also shared an article by Essentially Sports, and wrote, “We will get them next time, @shaq that shit wasn’t worth 3,000,000,000. #bransoncognac #lecheminduroi“

This disappointment must ring loud with Perry, who recently became the first African-American to acquire 2 major TV networks.

An uphill climb

He has two shows “The Oval” and “Sistas” that are on top fn the network and he owns a minority stake too. A billion-dollar buyout looks too much for anyone to handle, including Perry. As an acting phenom and also a filmmaker, he has shown his hold over the entertainment world with this move. However, even he couldn’t nab the rights of the BET networks. 

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While this was a major disappointment, this didn’t deter Diesel, who displayed his relentless pursuit. Will the former Lakers Center and 50 Cents take the network away from a wavering Paramount eventually and make it their own? Would you wanna bet against them?

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