Shaquille O’Neal’s $400 million plans to bid for ownership of the Phoenix Suns fizzled out once Amazon chairman Jeff Bezos announced his arrival at the party.
A popular franchise in the NBA, the Phoenix Suns are up for sale after real estate developer Robert Sarver announced his decision to sell the franchise following allegations of racism and misogyny against him. Commissioner Adam Silver and company conducted a detailed investigation into the matter.
The NBA has suspended Suns owner Robert Sarver for one year from the Suns and Mercury organization according to the league’s investigation. Sarver was also fined $10 million and completed a training program focused on respect and proper conduct in the workplace.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 13, 2022
Under strong backlash, Sarver announced the decision to sell his two professional basketball teams, the Suns in the NBA and the Mercury in the WNBA, for $800 million, prompting some of the biggest names to line up. to get a slice of the pie, one of the stalwarts is Shaquille. O’Neal.
However, upon learning that Amazon chairman and second richest man on the planet, Jeff Bezos, was expressing similar interests, Big Diesel thought it best to back off. Interestingly, the former seven-foot center played two seasons for the Phoenix Suns.
Also read: “Adam Silver planned to use the ‘Michael Jordan nuclear card'”: Bill Simmons reveals action plan for Robert Sarver’s departure
For those who don’t know, earlier this year, Shaq sold his stake in the Sacramento Kings. However, in a short time, the four-time champion wanted to put on the owner’s hat again.
Shaquille O’Neal admits Jeff Bezos’ $139 billion net worth ‘scared’ him out of bidding for Phoenix Suns ownership.
Although Shaq may have been the most dominant player to ever step on the court, the mere thought of bidding against the second richest man on the planet ‘scared’ him. According to a report from TMZ, Diesel had this to say when asked about the Suns’ ownership stake.
“No one on this planet can compete with Big Man JB,” the Lakers legend said.
“Because you know what? I just ordered 50 things from Amazon today. Big Man JB, he got that money.”
However, Big Diesel doesn’t mind getting on board with the Amazon man if he has to.
“If he wants me on board, I’d be happy to talk to him,” O’Neal said.
Unfortunately for Shaq, Bezos isn’t the only big man who has expressed interest in Suns ownership. Other names include former Disney CEO Bob Iger ($690 million), Oracle co-founder Larry Elson ($94.4 billion), minority owner of Wizards, and the widow of former Apple CEO Steve Jobs. , Laurene Powell Jobs ($13.6 billion).
Jeff Bezos, former Disney CEO Bob Iger, Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison and Wizards minority governor Laurene Powell Jobs are expected to be interested in buying the Suns and Mercury, according to @ramonashelburne
Full story here: https://t.co/pwWIxdjRuj pic.twitter.com/wUo4bm65IE
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 22, 2022
Shaquille O’Neal previously owned a stake in an NBA team.
In 2013, Shaq purchased a minority stake in the Sacramento Kings. The California franchise’s only priority in having the three-time Finals MVP on board was to make it a popular destination for free agents. Unfortunately, to no avail, the team continued to tank.
After being associated with the franchise for nearly a decade, the Hall of Famer decided to sell his stake. Shaq wanted to start a business in the world of sports betting.
. @SacramentoKings @Vivek All love…✌🏿👑 #Shaqramento pic.twitter.com/QJ3gtDcwUO
– SHAQ (@SHAQ) January 13, 2022
The consequence of his business venture forced him to sell his shareholding, in accordance with NBA rules. However, it seems that the 50-year-old wants a seat at the owner’s table.
Also read: “Shaquille O’Neal sells his stake in the Sacramento Kings”: the NBA legend plans to start a business in the sports betting industry
