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Does Shaquille O’Neal Own Elvis? How The Lakers Legend Receives Royalties From Elvis Presley’s Earnings

Samir Mehdi
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Does Shaquille O’Neal Own Elvis? How The Lakers Legend Receives Royalties From Elvis Presley’s Earnings

Shaquille O’Neal has been just as successful off the court as he was on it for 19 years of his career in the NBA. His resume is one of the greatest in league history when it comes to accomplishments on NBA hardwood. Everything from 4 championships to an incalculable number of All-Star and All-NBA nods are attached to his name. 

O’Neal would learn very early on that he would have to expand past his NBA earnings if he wanted to achieve a net worth that would sustain generations. Shaq has since become quite the businessman, indulging in an inordinate number of endorsements and investments over the decades. 

Charles Barkley has even made fun of Shaq for just how many times he’s seen his face on television promoting a new product. One example of Shaq’s brilliance when it comes to business is the fact that he’s put himself in a position where he actually receives monetary compensation over Elvis Presley’s success.

Also read: “It’s Too Early For You, Shaquille O’Neal!”: Kareem-Abdul Jabbar, and Bill Russell Once Gave the Big Diesel Hilarious Rookie Duties

Does Shaquille O’Neal own the rights to Elvis 

Shaquille O’Neal is quite the cunning man on the business side of things. During an interview in 2019, he rhetorically asked the interviewer, “I don’t like to seem like I’m bragging but I’m going to ask you a question: Who owns Marilyn Monroe? Who owns Elvis Presley? Who owns Forever 21 and JC Penny? Me.” 

The reason he said this is because he is currently the 2nd largest individual shareholder in a company called Authentic Brands Group. This company deals with the acquisition of brands and retailers. In their portfolio is the likes of Forever 21, JC Penny, and like Shaq said, Elvis Presley. 

So, any profit that is being made from Elvis Presley’s name, image, or likeness, directly leads to ‘The Big Aristotle’ having more money hit his bank account. This information has been available for quite some time now but comes to light once again following the death of Elvis Presley’s daughter, Lisa Marie Presley. 

Shaquille O’Neal loves owning franchises 

Shaquille O’Neal seems to be obsessed with franchising and rightfully so. Owns branches for an already established brand is a sure shot way of earning more money. 

He currently has 17 Auntie Anne’s, sold 155 Five Guys locations, has invested and heavily endorses Papa John’s, and has everything from car washes to 24-hour fitness centers in his name.

Also read: “A bit more explosive than I was!”: Shaquille O’Neal Admits 284LB Zion Williamson Has More Force and Potential for Dominance

About the author

Samir Mehdi

Samir Mehdi

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Samir Mehdi is a senior strategist for the NBA division at The Sportsrush. Ever since he was 13 years old, he’s been obsessed with the game of basketball. From watching Kobe Bryant’s highlights on YouTube to now, analyzing and breaking down every single game on League Pass, Samir’s passion for the game is unwavering. He's a complete basketball junkie who not only breaks down current games but also keenly watches ones from the 60s’ and 70s’ while also reading comprehensive books on the history of the league. Samir’s life revolves around basketball and he hopes that shows in his work. Aside from work, he loves to spend time in the gym and with his friends at social gatherings.

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