Outlet: USA TODAY
Author: Josh Peter
Date: June 5, 2025
In a compelling look at post-retirement success, USA TODAY Sports spotlights how Shaquille O’Neal transformed his NBA fame into a billion-dollar empire. The article delves into O’Neal’s business ventures, strategic brand partnerships, and his newly released Netflix docuseries “Power Moves with Shaquille O’Neal.”
Among those offering insight is our CEO Stacy Jones, founder of Hollywood Branded, who discusses Shaq’s exceptional ability to maintain – and even grow – his visibility and brand value long after retiring from professional basketball.
Stacy highlights how Shaq has broken the mold for athlete branding:
The article also emphasizes the calculated risks and savvy moves behind Shaq’s brand evolution – from TNT’s Inside the NBA to business ventures like Big Chicken, and a major partnership with Authentic Brands Group, where he now serves as Reebok’s president.
Stacy further explains what sets Shaq apart from typical brand endorsers:
Key Quotes from Stacy Jones:
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“Shaq’s ubiquity today is unmatched and what makes it even more fascinating is that it’s post-career.”
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“His involvement isn’t just about exposure, it’s about strategic value. He shows up, he promotes and he often contributes behind the scenes.”
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“Michael Jordan… elevated [his legacy] into a luxury brand… Shaq has embraced something else: the common man.”
Hollywood Branded’s Expert Lens:
This article underscores Hollywood Branded’s core belief: that celebrity endorsement isn’t just about fame – it’s about strategic storytelling and authentic alignment. Shaq’s multi-platform presence, from TV to product lines, mirrors the type of long-game, culturally resonant branding Hollywood Branded crafts for our clients.
From our work creating over 10,000+ pop culture partnerships and boosting brands like Bumble, Canadian Club, and BlackBerry, we know how powerful it is to align brands with iconic figures who live their story.
Hollywood Branded consistently helps brands leverage celebrity and entertainment to gain visibility, build trust, and drive results.
Read the full article here
