Since the early 90s, Shaquille O’Neal has been known for athletic excellence, making a name for himself as one of the best basketball players in the world. What many don’t know, however, is that O’Neal is more than just a titan of sports — he’s an exceptional businessman with an extensive investing portfolio. Keep reading to learn how franchising played a key role in the basketball icon’s transition from NBA star to franchise phenomenon.
What Franchises Does Shaq Own?
Shaq first began investing in franchise brands in 2008, taking on franchisee, partner, and ambassador roles with a number of different brands across food and fitness. While his portfolio has evolved over the years, he’s maintained a large number of franchises across the country, with the majority of their locations being in and around Atlanta, Georgia.
Key examples of franchises owned by Shaq include:
Five Guys
Shaq’s first real venture into franchising was Five Guys, a fast food burger chain. He bought his first location in Atlanta in 2008, and went on to own 155 locations across the country — singlehandedly making up 10% of the company’s franchises.
O’Neal eventually sold his Five Guys locations in 2016 to further diversify his portfolio.
Papa John’s
In addition to owning nine Papa John’s locations in and around Atlanta, Shaq took on a unique role with the company, serving both on the board of directors and as a brand ambassador. His signature Shaq-a-Roni pizza was a fan favorite, making Papa John’s one of the most iconic Shaq franchises.
Though he’s no longer a board member, O’Neal remains a franchise owner.
Auntie Anne’s
For several years, Shaq owned 17 Auntie Anne’s locations across New York and Michigan. However, he sold the classic mall locations, joking on a 2021 podcast that, “Black people don’t like pretzels that much.”
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Krispy Kreme
Shaq loves Krispy Kreme doughnuts — and in 2016, he decided to make his love for the brand official when he purchased a franchise location of his own. He’s since said that Krispy Kreme is one of his favorite franchises in his portfolio. O’Neal remains a franchise owner to this day, despite his location facing several arson attempts and requiring extensive rebuilding.
24 Hour Fitness
It’s no surprise the global basketball icon would stay involved in the fitness industry, even after his retirement from professional sports. Shaq first associated himself with 24 Hour Fitness, a gym franchise, in 2013, as a brand ambassador. From there, he became a member of the board of directors in 2016, and a strategic advisor in 2019. He owns around 40 franchise locations.
How many franchises does Shaq own?
Shaq’s franchise portfolio has shifted numerous times over the years. At one point, he owned over 150 franchise units, including multiple locations of major brands such as Five Guys and Papa Johns, making him one of the most visible celebrity franchise investors.
Today, Shaquille O’Neal owns or co-owns about 50 restaurant franchises and around 40 health clubs, though the exact total varies as his investments change over time.
Shaq’s Big Chicken Franchise and Current Ventures
Currently, O’Neal is taking his franchise portfolio to the next level with his very own fast-casual chicken chain, developed with franchising in mind. He founded Big Chicken in 2018, and has over 350 locations in development. Shaq’s chicken franchise combines his love for southern comfort food with his vibrant, larger-than-life personality, and is expected to continue growing rapidly in the US and internationally.
Big Chicken franchise cost
According to the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), launching a Big Chicken Shaq franchise costs an initial franchise fee of $40,000, with initial operating costs totaling between $681,500 and $1,535,500 depending on location.
Why Shaq Invests in Franchises
Transitioning from the world of pro sports to business and investing takes guts, but for Shaquille O’Neal, it was a slam dunk. The star athlete earned $30 million playing for the NBA; he now earns over $95 million annually from franchising and investing. It’s a carefully thought out strategy that’s paid off: franchising offers scalable growth, established systems, brand recognition, and the ability to diversify investments across industries, giving Shaq the freedom to put his time, energy, and resources into the things he cares about most.
What Entrepreneurs Can Learn From Shaq’s Franchise Strategy
Shaq is a testament to the fact that entrepreneurship is for anyone, no matter your background. Scalable business models like franchising offer a level of accessibility that building everything from scratch can’t match. By diversifying across brands and leveraging partnerships with businesses he genuinely loves, Shaq has built an empire — and shows no signs of stopping.
