Shaquille O’Neal Set for Groundbreaking New Leap Into AI Venture Despite Previous Public Disapproval

Call him Big AI. Shaquille O’Neal is a step closer to a brand new business venture with a trademark filing. He’s apparently going to AI-fy himself in the near future. This new idea is allegedly his own and he’s making a rapid push to get it launched. A stark contrast to his previous beliefs about this tech.

Shaq has since converted to a fan of AI. He’s dabbled in it as an investor and meme god. It just proves his beliefs about reaching out to people are stronger.

Shaquille O’Neal takes new AI plunge

Authentic Brands Group, which has held the licenses of Shaquille O’Neal’s name since 2015 apart from having the big man as its second-biggest shareholder, has filed for new trademarks in the US Patent and Trademarks office on Thursday, as per reports. The company seeks to trademark “ASK Shaq” and “SHAQ AI” according to the filings.

The trademarks pertain to create an AI-based chatbot on Shaq that will provide sports and entertainment-related information. Think TNT analyst Shaq in an AI version. He was reportedly the one who suggested the idea to Authentic mere days before filing for the same.

The filings also indicate the development of downloadable computer software, text generation, natural language processing, and other features. ABG has been delving into AI-based expansion in recent history. But it’s also something O’Neal and other NBA stars have delved into.

His former teammate, Dwyane Wade is one of the many celebrities that has joined Meta to create an avatar for an AI chatbot. Chris Paul also has a character in the Meta venture. Instead of joining them, O’Neal is creating his own AI business model, according to Front Office Sports.

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He’s a new entrant in the field but has quickly got the lay of the land. This year, he invested in Edsoma, an AI-based reading and communication app for kids. Under his leadership, Edsoma has raised $2.5 million in the first seed round. He’s also got big plans to further Edsoma at the college level and as a second language learning app.

Shaq’s changed stance on AI

Back in March, Shaquille O’Neal denounced AI. “One thing about Artificial Intelligence is if it comes up with a commercial that bombs, it’s not going to get blamed – you are,” he said.

In September, he revealed his investment in Edsoma after personally testing out the benefits of the AI-based app. He’s even been sharing AI-based memes on multiple occasions.

Authentic has owned Sports Illustrated since 2019. It has since been looking into interactive AI-based technology to deliver news to sports and entertainment consumers. The Shaq chatbot could be a step in that direction as well.

We’ll just have to wait and see what Shaq AI has in store for us. Considering the pace with which he’s going, it won’t be long.

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