Shaquille O’Neal has evolved as a business magnate after his successful NBA career. The Hall of Famer invested his time and energy in lucrative business ventures and worthwhile investments over the years, making him one of the richest athletes in America. Shaq has asserted his dominance in the business field and has amassed a net worth of over $400 million. Back in 2021, the three-time Finals MVP revealed that he has sold his Auntie Anne’s franchises. The NBA star owned 17 pretzel franchises worth $6.5 million. However, O’Neal eventually decided to sell his franchises after a long and fruitful partnership with the brand.

The four-time NBA champ talked about his journey to building a $400 million business empire with Earn Your Leisure in 2021. Shaq has an investment in rising start-up brands like Papa John’s, Auntie Anne’s, Krispy Kreme, and Five Guys, helping the ventures reach the next level.

READ MORE: “My Dad Came Home One Day and He Was Crying”: Shaquille O’Neal Reveals Drug Abuse “Horror Stories” That Changed His World View

The Big Diesel invested in Google even before it went public and home security and smart home company ‘Ring’ before Amazon took over. With his impressive marketing tactics, O’Neal also managed to sell more than 150 million affordable sneakers at Walmart.

Shaquille O’Neal sold Auntie Annie’s

 During the interview, the host asked Shaquille O’Neal about the criteria he looked for before getting involved with a company. The Los Angeles Lakers legend reckoned that he just wanted to ‘make people happy and make people smile’. He mentioned that affordable Shaq shoes and Papa John’s were some of those ventures he invested in. The host suggested Aunty Anne’s as well. The 15-time All-Star stated that he sold his Aunty Anne’s. Shaq said, “Yeah cause Black people don’t like pretzels that much, so I had to squish it up.”

Furthermore, the host insisted that Black people did eat the cinnamon pretzels. However, Shaq responded quickly by claiming that nobody ate cinnamon pretzels. The host said he and a few people in the audience did. O’Neal added, “If you don’t get your motherfu***ng Vince Carter-looking a** out of here.” The crowd immediately responded with loud cheers after the Lakers legend’s comments.

O’Neal Franchise Group partnered with V&J group to open six Aunty Anne’s in Detroit in 2007. The brand had 750 shops in the US at that time with a total sales of $293 million in 2006. 

Watch This Story: NBA Stars That Shaquille O’Neal Has Taken Jabs At

Shaquille O’Neal has grown into a very knowledgeable and qualified entrepreneur. His smart investments have brought him a great deal of wealth while working to make peoples’ lives better with these brands. Thus, the Lakers superstar is an inspiration to millions of young entrepreneurs hoping to work their way up to the ladder of wealth and recognition.