Shaquille O’Neal is part of numerous brands and companies. This is how he has built a massive empire worth $500 million. Reebok, Pepsi, and the list could go on forever. But are these all endorsement or partnership deals? He has always mentioned that he strikes a deal with a company only when he likes its product. But does he use all of them? He might not be if we listen to Charles Barkley.

During his appearance on the ‘Nothing Left Unsaid’ Podcast with Tim and Troy Green, the Phoenix Suns legend was asked about his Subway commercial in 2024 and whether he too eats those sandwiches. He was also asked about how he always makes fun of Shaq. Before responding to the question, he mentioned O’Neal’s deals and said, “It’s physically impossible for Shaq to use every product that he endorses okay.” But why is it that? 

He says this because O’Neal is claimed to have nearly 50 commercials. “The guy’s got 50 commercials. There’s not enough hours in the day for him to use all those products,” Chuck explained. Now this makes sense.  

Well, he has previously said the same about O’Neal. While he praised Big Aristotle for being a brilliant businessman, Barkley claimed that O’Neal had never used all the products. “First of all, I will give him credit. He is a great, great businessman. But I guarantee you he has never used any product he’s endorsed,” Chuck once said.

However, there’s one argument. Many are aware of O’Neal’s endorsement deals in the past. However, all the deals that he currently has are partnership deals. This means that through a partnership deal, O’Neal is much more involved with the company. Moreover, O’Neal has always spoken about the products in great detail, as if he had used all of them.

Shaquille O’Neal is particular about his partnership deals 

He has deals with Icy Hot, JCPenny, and many more and earns nearly $60 million every year. In an episode of The Big Podcast, O’Neal clarified that he doesn’t sign deals with companies because of money. The reputation of the brand also doesn’t attract his attention. So, what is it that impresses the Los Angeles Lakers legend?

He claimed that he chooses companies he enjoys working with. Speaking of some of his favorite brands, he said, “Icy Hot has been good to me. Carnival’s been good to me. Papa John. Like I only do things that I enjoy. Like if I don’t enjoy your company, I probably won’t do the deal no matter how much money they offer me.” 

For that, he must know the product as well as the staff. So, it could either be that O’Neal has used the products of his deals at least once, beating the time restrictions a human has, or he indeed is an impeccable businessman. What are your thoughts?