Shaquille O'Neal

2015–2025 documented

Sports Business Journal reported that O’Neal’s 2015 partnership made him Authentic’s second-largest individual shareholder, behind Jamie Salter. Authentic gained control of his intellectual property while he received equity exposure to its broader brand portfolio.

The article does not disclose his ownership percentage or establish separate direct stakes in each portfolio brand; the individual-shareholder ranking is not a ranking against institutional investors.

2018–2025 documented

O’Neal founded Big Chicken in 2018 and was identified alongside JRS Hospitality and Authentic Brands Group as a backer when Craveworthy Brands became an investor, stakeholder and managing partner in March 2025.

The article does not disclose O’Neal’s ownership percentage, invested capital, valuation or dilution resulting from Craveworthy’s investment.

2019–2025 documented

Papa Johns’ 2025 proxy identifies the Shaquille O’Neal Revocable Trust as owning 30% of O’Neal Boyz, LLC, which operates nine Atlanta-area restaurants. Papa Johns owns approximately 70% of the joint venture.

This is ownership in a restaurant operating venture, not a 30% stake in publicly traded Papa Johns; the filing does not establish the venture’s valuation or confirm its ownership position as of October 23, 2026.

2013–2022

O’Neal became a minority owner in September 2013 and announced the completed sale of his stake in January 2022. Sports Business Journal reported that he had announced plans to sell to become a brand ambassador for WynnBET.

The article does not disclose his ownership percentage, original investment, sale price or realized return.