Shaquille O’Neal recently expressed his frustration over not appearing on the Forbes billionaire list, despite amassing a net worth of $500 million through various ventures. Speaking in early August 2025, the former Lakers star revealed his determination to join the top ranks, emphasizing how seeing Michael Jordan and LeBron James ahead of him triggered a sense of urgency in his business pursuits. The LeBron James memorabilia business deal is among Shaq’s latest efforts to bridge this gap, blending his sports legacy with valuable collectibles.
Unique NBA Experience Drives Shaq’s Business Strategy
Shaquille O’Neal’s NBA career stands out as he competed directly with his idol Michael Jordan and played alongside LeBron James, a player he has called “the best young leader” he has seen. This rare perspective gives him insider access and respect that benefit his current business initiatives. O’Neal has leveraged his popularity extensively, moving into diverse industries such as fast food, candy, and beverages. His current focus on sports memorabilia benefits indirectly from his connections with both Jordan and James, making his new partnership especially significant.
Partnership with Tim Banazek Brings New Focus to Sports Collectibles
Shaquille O’Neal teamed up with Tim Banazek, a Virginia-based former sales executive known for holding one of the world’s largest private card collections. Banazek’s collection, believed to include around 20 million cards, has inspired Shaq to rekindle his passion for trading and collecting memorabilia. O’Neal remembers his youthful collecting days, sharing,
“I got a Reggie Jackson, I got a Pete Rose,”
from a pack of Bazooka Joe cards he opened as a child. His regret over selling off cherished cards highlights the sentimental value collectors attach to their treasures.
O’Neal added,
“Holding something, something that’s yours—that’s the value right there. Even now, you come across certain cards you’ve never seen where you’re like—’Oh, this is interesting.’ I should’ve had the discipline to keep all the cards I collected over the years.”
The collection Banazek acquired in 2021 features notable figures, including about 20,000 cards of Michael Jordan, 5,000 of Tom Brady, and 5,000 of LeBron James, making it one of the most comprehensive in the sports collecting world.
Rising Value of Sports Cards Fuels Shaq’s Investment Interest
Sports card collecting has evolved into a lucrative market, with valuations soaring to unprecedented levels. According to HoopsHype, at least 26 NBA cards have surpassed the million-dollar mark, featuring stars such as Steph Curry, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan. Notably, a Steph Curry card fetched $5.9 million, and LeBron’s rookie patch autograph sold for $5.2 million.
Michael Jordan continues to impress with memorabilia sales as well. Ryan Hoge, president of PSA, stated that Jordan is the most-graded athlete in his company’s history. High-profile sales include Jordan’s game-worn jersey from Game 1 of the 1998 NBA Finals, which sold for $10.1 million in January 2023. LeBron James’s highest-selling Finals jersey reached $3.6 million, underlining why Shaquille O’Neal sees value in expanding his collection through the LeBron James memorabilia business deal.
Shaquille O’Neal’s Ambitions in the Billionaire Race Against Legends
Despite Michael Jordan and LeBron James’ dominance both on the court and in collectibles, Shaquille O’Neal aims to enhance his business standing by leveraging his sports legacy and current partnerships. His involvement with Tim Banazek’s vast memorabilia collection positions him uniquely to influence the market and possibly disrupt the billionaire race linked to sports legends. With a restless drive and strategic moves, Shaq’s next steps will show if he can match the business acumen that has elevated his peers to billionaire status.