The last few weeks have been a rocky road for the NBA, with a sudden and unexpected shift in how the game will be broadcast in the future, leaving fans and insiders alike on edge. Now, as the dust begins to settle, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation surrounding Shaquille O’Neal. However, a major move by ‘The Big Diesel’ is on the way, hinting at something that could not only uplift the spirits of his fans but also add to his ever-growing empire. The question on everyone’s mind: What is Shaquille O’Neal planning?

Just 20 days after NBCUniversal sent shockwaves with its announcement of a multi-billion-dollar rights deal with the NBA, Shaquille O’Neal stepped forward not to add to the tension, but excitement. The Hall of Famer turned business mogul announced the return of his highly successful festival, “SHAQ’S BASS ALL STARS: FESTIVAL,” set for November 16th at Panther Island Pavilion in Dallas/Fort Worth. This is no ordinary music event; it’s the largest bass festival in Texas. Following its debut with 15,000 fans, O’Neal’s All Stars Festival is making a comeback, and it’s gearing up to be even bigger and better this time around. “Get ready for year two of the largest bass festival in Texas, featuring 2 stages and 16 of my favorite bass and dubstep acts—all handpicked by me!”, said the Big Diesel.

As The Big Diesel’s festival gears up for its big return, the NBA world is still buzzing from the recent bombshell that NBCUniversal dropped. NBCUniversal is nearing a groundbreaking 11-year, $2.5 billion-per-year deal with the NBA. But what exactly does this deal mean for the NBA and basketball fanatics? This deal will showcase 100 regular-season NBA games, including Sunday and Tuesday broadcasts on NBC, and Monday games on Peacock. Additionally, NBCU will secure rights to over 50 WNBA games annually, beginning in 2026.

Shaquille O’Neal’s Rise to his Half a Billion-Dollar Empire

Shaquille O’Neal’s quest in the business world wasn’t the same as the NBA. He remembered the words of his father. “My father always told me, ‘You can be the smartest person in the world, but if you don’t work hard, you’re not going to get anything.” Upon entering the NBA as the No. 1 overall pick in the 1992 draft, his overall NBA career made him a staggering $286 million estimated. One of his early ventures was Five Guys franchises, where he owned 155 locations, accounting for 10% of the company. And not to forget his Big Chicken,” venture that has been expanding rapidly.

He has admitted to not being the most tech-savvy person but surrounds himself with people who help him make informed decisions. “I don’t like to be known as a dumb jock. I want to be a smart businessman. “I don’t invest in anything I don’t understand, but I knew this was something big.” With that being said, O’neal made mindful investments like a true businessman. Google was a perfect example of his knack for recognizing potential in the early stages. His investment in Google’s IPO contributed substantially to his $500 million net worth. Ring, the smart doorbell company, is another example of this “Knack” that paid off significantly when Amazon acquired Ring in 2018 for a staggering $1 billion.

From the return of his “SHAQ’S BASS ALL STARS: FESTIVAL” to his smart investments in companies like Google and Ring, O’Neal has proven that his influence extends far beyond hoops. As the NBA navigates a new era with NBCUniversal’s game-changing deal, O’Neal stays at the forefront, blending entertainment and business in ways that continue to excite his fans. What do you think of his journey from NBA star to business mogul? Share your thoughts in the comments below!