“There’s too much maintenance… Don’t want to get screwed in a bad deal” — there was a time when Shaquille O’Neal didn’t want to go for a private jet. Not many would have expected the kind of change of heart he has had on this take. After buying a $27 million private jet last year, the former LA Lakers star has added another one to his fleet. And in doing so, he’s leveled the playing field with Michael Jordan.

A recent post by Hot Freestyle shows the Big Diesel on a new ride that’s turning heads. “Shaq is out here getting jets like they’re toys,” the caption teased.

From the striped exterior to the glossy light brown cabinets inside, this jet oozes style and comfort. It even features a bed—perfect for those long-haul trips. Sounds familiar? Yep, Michael Jordan’s Gulfstream G550 has the same touch of luxury, proving these two legends never settle for less.

Jordan, though, takes customization to another level.

MJ’s first jet, a Gulfstream G550, cost him $61.5 million back in 2016. Initially painted in North Carolina Tar Heels colors, it now rocks a bold elephant print inspired by Air Jordans, complete with the iconic Jumpman logo on the tail. Step inside, and it’s everything you’d expect from MJ. This includes premium leather seats, a dining area, a fully stocked bar, and even a cigar station. The man loves his cigars, so why not enjoy them at 30,000 feet? But as most of us know it, Jordan didn’t stop there.

Just this October, he arrived in style at the YellaWood 500 NASCAR event, unveiling his Gulfstream G650ER, reportedly worth $27 million. Even the jet’s registration number, N236MJ, tells a story—23 for his jersey number, 6 for his championship rings, and MJ obviously for his initials.

Whether you’re Team Shaq or Team MJ, there’s no denying both legends are flying high—literally.

Shaquille O’Neal gave in for a $27 million private jet

After years of flying in rented planes, O’Neal finally decided to take the leap and buy his very own Bombardier Challenger 650. Imagine cruising at Mach 0.85—about 651 mph—in a jet designed to cross oceans or cover coast-to-coast distances with ease. For someone like Shaq, always on the move with family or an entourage, this $27 million investment makes sense.

And it’s not just about speed or range. Shaq’s Challenger 650 screams luxury. Picture cream leather seats and high-gloss wood paneling in a warm, neutral color scheme—it’s the kind of interior that makes even long-haul flights feel like a breeze. There’s even a bed onboard, because.

Shaq was, however, not wrong in fearing for maintenance cost. Owning a private jet isn’t just a one-time splurge, but an ongoing financial commitment. Maintenance alone can cost anywhere from $500,000 to over $1 million a year. Add in fuel, hangar fees, insurance, and crew salaries, and you’ve got yourself a sky-high bill. Now that Shaq owns two jets, you can imagine how fast those expenses add up. But now that Shaq is on a mission to become a billionaire like Michael Jordan, living like one could be an approach.