DraftKings signs Shaquille O’Neal as an ambassador in a multi-year deal.
NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal is best known for his stellar NBA career. In his 19-year tenure, Shaq won four championships and was a 15-time All-Star. And although he retired more than ten years ago, he’ll be gearing up for the NBA’s 2024-25 season. Only this time, he’ll be representing DraftKings instead of the NBA.
You Can Call Me Mr. DraftKings
Shaq announced his DraftKings deal in a tongue-in-cheek video, featuring his many nicknames, on the social media site, X:
Diesel, Superman, Big Aristotle, and now… Mr. DraftKings
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) October 16, 2024
Welcome to the team, @SHAQ ?? pic.twitter.com/2Vd8OndT04
“DraftKings is thrilled to welcome NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal to the family, said Stephanie Sherman, DraftKings Chief Marketing Officer. “Shaq’s personality and unparalleled energy will elevate our brand through various marketing initiatives all NBA season. His enormous presence matches our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for our players.”
This is hardly Shaq’s first foray into the business world. In 2013, he became a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings – a stake he eventually sold in 2022. He has dabbled in franchise ownership and still owns 150 car washes, 40 health clubs, and the Big Chicken restaurant chain.
DraftKings Recruiting Spree May Just be Getting Started
Meanwhile, this isn’t the first big-name MVP DraftKings has signed up this year. In January, LeBron James was brought into the DraftKings fold — for his football prowess. As an active NBA member, LeBron can represent sports betting companies as long as it doesn’t involve the league. And football isn’t that big a stretch for LeBron, an avid football fan who was actively recruited by the NFL during the 2011 NBA lockout.
As one of the market-leading sports betting and iGaming companies, DraftKings is in a good financial position to add to its marketing entourage. In the second quarter, DraftKings grew revenues by 26% and beat Wall Street’s earnings expectations by a mile. In fact, the company did so well, it announced a $1 billion stock buyback – the first since its initial public offering.
DraftKings may not be done recruiting ambassadors from the active – or recently retired --sports world. If not, the likes of Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Alex Morgan, and Jason Kelce may be in line for a career pivot.
