Shaquille O’Neal has an interesting business plan. From investing in ed-tech start-ups such as Edsoma to making deals with some of the biggest brands, last year was successful for ‘Big Aristotle’. This year, it seems the Lakers legend has finally shifted his focus toward his long-held dream of investing in a sports team. And that too in a Stratford-based football club, West Ham.

The Lakers legend is rumored to become a part of the owners’ crew. With O’Neal’s investment, the club will likely be able to recover and counter the problem of around $23 million loss. Before we discuss O’Neal’s part, here is a brief about the Club’s recent financial situation.

West Ham suffered a massive loss

West Ham earned a $15 million profit. Despite this, the club faced a loss in the 2022-23 season. Due to the astonishing drop of $20 million in revenues, the club faced a $23. 1 million loss.

However, one thing that helped the club survive was the $21.25 million earned from selling the players. Notably the amount was $20 million higher than the previous year’s earnings from player sales. Money earned from the transfer of Craig Dawson and Issa Diop moved the numbers up. But there was also an 8% increase in the operating expenses.

The reason behind this loss is the less profit earned from the broadcasting. West Ham played for the Europa Conference and finished lower in the Premier League. Considering the $151.25 million and $100 million loss faced by Manchester City and Chelsea, the situation is much better for West Ham. However, O’Neal’s interest in the club is certainly intriguing.

Shaquille O’Neal shows interest in West Ham

Los Angeles Lakers legend O’Neal has achieved almost everything he set his mind to. Investing in a sports team has long been on his to-do list. So there’s a strong possibility he will make a move on this opportunity. If it comes to fruition, the NBA champion would join the group of the club’s four major investors.

After watching a game last season, the 4x NBA champion appeared interested in being a part of it. A report by The Suns based on a source, shared, “Shaq loves British football and he has been talking about putting some serious cash into the club.” It further read, “He went to a game at the end of the season and loved it. It’s now a case of whether the financials stack up for him. Shaq is really interested in what deal he could strike.”

Owning around more than 38 percent stake, one of the major investors is David Sullivan. The Welsh businessman has an impressive net worth of £1.1bn. Both of Mr. Sullivan’s sons Jack and David are part of the board of directors. Another member is renowned businessman Daniel Kretinsky who owns about 27 percent stake in the club.

While Vanessa Gold owns 25.1 %, Albert Tripp Smith has only 8% of the shares. Both Mr. Sullivan and Gold bought stakes in the company in 2010. The rest own only 1%. Apart from O’Neal’s interest in the team, nothing more has been updated.

American stars who own a share in British clubs

There’s certainly something about English football that has charmed American celebrities and businessmen. In 2011, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James bought a 2% ownership stake in Liverpool. ‘King James’ who now boasts a net worth of $1 billion, is currently the part owner of Liverpool. Fascinating right?

Actor Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought shares in Welsh team AFC Wrexham in 2021 for $2.5 million. Actor Michael B. Jordan bought a minority stake in AFC Bournemouth in 2021. O’Neal might join the group quite soon.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.