Do you think nothing about Shaquille O’Neal can surprise you? Wait, he has something in store. The legend has come up with another new antic you have never heard or seen before. Not just in life, he thinks beyond it as well. Shaquille O’Neal isn’t just a towering figure on the basketball court—he’s a giant in the business world, too. With a mix of charisma, and sharp instincts, Shaq has built an empire that stretches far beyond sports. But he has got something unique now.

Big Aristotle wants his legacy to live for decades and decades to come. And one business deal has allowed him to do just that. Along with it, he also holds the rights to the legacy of other deceased greats. But how much of this is true?

What does ABG have to do with Marilyn Monroe’s licensing rights?

To understand that, we must go through some of the most important business deals of Shaq’s career that saw him amass a net worth of $500 million. And the story starts with Authentic Brands Group. Back in 2015, the basketball legend signed a deal with the group for $135 million. With this deal, he became part of several other brands, such as Reebok, Ted Baker, and more.

The company (ABG)  acquired Reebok in 2022 for a jaw-dropping $2.46 billion. This was one of the largest acquisitions by ABG. It saw the champ also become the second-largest individual shareholder in the company. And apart from Reebok, O’Neal also owns the licensing rights to the greats who passed away several years ago. O’Neal doesn’t directly own any of these rights. But it is through his deal with ABG that he gained some of these rights. Muhammad Ali, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, and Michael Jackson are owned by the group!

During an interview on ‘Earn Your Leisure,’ he said, “I don’t like to seem like I’m bragging, but let me ask you a question. Who owns Marilyn Monroe? Who owns Elvis Presley? Who owns Forever 21? Who owns JCPenney? Me!” Further details aren’t known. But that makes O’Neal have access to certain things such as using one of the deceased members in his fake video.

Shaquille O’Neal’s Valentine’s Day AI clip 

Well, he is surely quite creative! For the 2025 Valentine’s Day, he isn’t alone. At least, that’s what he wants to show with the fake clip. He has found the perfect Valentine. But how? Did he use any dating apps? He did join Tinder once, but for Valentine’s, it wasn’t a dating app. Instead, he used an AI app to create a fake video. Not harmful, of course.

The AI video edits deceased people or any person into imaginary lively videos. And whom did the basketball legend pick? None other than American actress and model Marilyn Monroe. It is entirely imaginary, with every scene being artificial. The clip starts with O’Neal speaking to Monroe over the telephone. The fake video portrays the late actress as being alive and as O’Neal’s romantic interest. The two even have a fake marriage and a child in the video. “Happy Valentine’s Day #iloveyou #shaqandmarilyn #bemybvalentine @weareauthentic @papajohns,” he captioned the post as he shared on his IG handle.

Is this delusional? Perhaps, and his kids are not on board with it. His eldest daughter was the first to react. Taahirah O’Neal shared a ‘fed up’ face GIF in the comment section. O’Neal’s son, Shareef O’Neal, also commented, writing, “bro what.” While his kids seem done (pun intended)with the Los Angeles Lakers legend’s bizarre antics, fans are amused.

One of the fans wrote, “He owns the rights to Marilyn Monroe this is a flex.” Is it? In response to a comment that read, “What did I just watch Shaq” O’Neal wrote, “me and my marilyn.” While he might have made the clip only for entertainment, the basketball legend has immense respect and admiration for the late actress.

But there is a question. What made Shaq get involved with Authentic Brands Group? He also gave the licensing rights of his name to the company.

What inspired Shaquille O’Neal to join Authentic Brands Group? 

Many people still praise and remember Monroe and Presley as legendary figures. One day, when O’Neal saw the merchandise of these iconic figures, he was confused and wanted to understand how these veterans continued to generate money for their families even after their passing.

That’s how he learned about the entire process. “My Authentic Brands deal, I was able to ensure that hopefully I can stay around after I’m no longer on this earth. And I was walking down the street one day and looking at these Elvis cups and Elvis key chains and Marilyn Monroe, and I said to myself, ‘How are these people still making money for their families?’” O’Neal told to AFROTECH.

He added, “They’re not even around. So, I found out how that business works, and I contacted two or three of those agencies and asked them if they were interested in partnering with Authentic Brands, and we’ve been doing major things…I just always wanted to have the opportunity to live forever like fame.” He immediately wanted to be part of such a company so that he, too, would be remembered by future generations. Well, Shaq might be excited about it, but he leaves behind a legacy that’s hard to match on the court.