Shaq’s always had a thing for big dreams and bigger stages. Lately, he’s been flexing his cape with DC’s $7 billion Superman reboot, popping up in promos and talking about how the Man of Steel made him believe he could outrun trains as a kid. It wasn’t just nostalgia — Shaq was sliding into the spotlight of one of Hollywood’s priciest franchises. But just when it looked like he was all in on saving the DC Universe, boom — a shot at owning a European basketball team lands on his plate. So now the question is: does Superman trade Metropolis for Naples?
“I know Vegas hasn’t been awarded an NBA team yet, but if they ever get to a point where they are awarded a team, I would like to be a part of that,” The Big Aristotle had set the record straight on his wishes. And owning an NBA team is top on the priority list.
A recent post from Italian Football TV’s X (formerly Twitter) breaks it down. With a caption, “Shaquille O’Neal could join Matt Rizzetta and Daniel Doyle’s investment group to take control of Napoli Basketball, as per Il Mattino The former NBA star’s longtime manager Mike Parris was spotted in this weekend in Naples on a scouting visit,” the post hints a significant move in Shaq’s aspirations as a team owner.
SHAQ TO NAPOLI?
Shaquille O’Neal could join Matt Rizzetta and Daniel Doyle’s investment group to take control of Napoli Basketball, as per Il Mattino
The former NBA star’s longtime manager Mike Parris was spotted this weekend in Naples on a scouting visit pic.twitter.com/zqTGCghvNX
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) May 10, 2025
As confirmed by the Italian newspaper Il Mattino, Shaquille O’Neal is reportedly weighing in on joining an investment group led by Matt Rizzetta and Daniel Doyle to acquire a 66% stake in Napoli Basketball. Rizzetta, an Italian-American entrepreneur, is known for his involvement in both U.S. and Italian sports, including ownership of Brooklyn FC and Campobasso FC. What is interesting here is that O’Neal’s longtime manager, Mike Parris, was recently seen in Naples, fueling speculation about the NBA legend’s potential role in the venture.
For a growing club like Napoli, the face value of the Big Aristotle can bring a much-needed boost. Even if it means that Shaq might have to move slightly away from his dream of joining the Superman franchise!
Inside Shaquille O’Neal’s $500 million business empire
Shaquille O’Neal ain’t just one of the most dominant forces to ever touch a basketball; he is a straight-up business machine off the court, too. With a reported $500 million net worth, Shaq’s been stacking those bags long after hanging up his size 22s.
It all started back at LSU when big fella was tearing up college hoops, before the Orlando Magic snatched him up with the No. 1 pick in the 1992 Draft. His rookie contract? A cool $17.4 million over four years, which sounds like lunch money compared to what rookies like Wemby are pulling in now. But here’s where it gets spicy: in ‘96, Jerry West moved heaven and earth to land Shaq in L.A., handing him a seven-year, $120 million deal. At the time, that was the biggest contract in sports history. Man was making history before Instagram could even flex it.
And you think he stopped there? Nah. Big Diesel flipped that hoop money into a business empire. He’s a part-time DJ, a full-time TV personality on Inside the NBA making $10 million a year, and don’t forget that Papa John’s play in 2019. Not only did he invest in nine franchises, but he also joined the board and became the face of the brand. That deal alone? Reportedly $8 million. Shaq’s everywhere and I mean everywhere.
Retired since 2011, yet still pulling $60 million a year like it’s nothing. He literally makes more now than he ever did hooping. MJ, LeBron, and Magic might be billionaires, but nobody’s flipped their personal brand the way Shaq has. And now with this Europe league deal swirling, if he locks that in too? Oh man… Shaq’s about to need a bigger vault.
The post Shaquille O’Neal Potentially Abandons $7 Billion Dream As Adam Silver Opens Up $500 Million Opportunity Overseas appeared first on EssentiallySports.
