Shaquille O’Neal, who became a partial owner of the Sacramento Kings in 2013, announced on social media Wednesday that he has officially sold his interest in the NBA club.
O’Neal, 49, who retired from the NBA in 2011 and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016, posted on his official Twitter page that in order to pursue a business interest in the sports gambling world, he had to leave the Kings.
“As a result of a new business endeavor, I was required by NBA rules to sell my interest in the Sacramento Kings. I want to thank the fans, the city of Sacramento, Vivek Ranadive and the entire Kings organization for our great partnership. I loved being an owner of such a forward thinking organization and I hope to be back someday,” O’Neal tweeted. “I was fortunate to have Arctos help me with this transaction. I’m sure they will be a great partner for Vivek, the Kings and the NBA going forward.
“Till we meet again…”
According to the Sports Business Journal, O’Neal will be featured in WynnBet’s advertising campaigns and as the face of a new “ShaqPot” free-to-play prediction game sponsored by the sportsbook.
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Along with appearing in television, print and digital promotions, the Sports Business Journal also reported that O’Neal will appear on WynnBet-sponsored podcasts produced at a casino in Las Vegas.
In an August interview with Complex.com, O’Neal spoke highly of his prospects with WynnBet, especially as sports gambling gains a stronger presence across all media.
“We believe WynnBet is going to be the next big player in sports betting and iGaming space. And I’m all about challenges,” he told Complex. “I’m all about good business. I’m all about helping people, making people smile and I thought this was a great opportunity to get in this space.”
The four-time NBA champion made the announcement on a night when one of his former clubs, the Los Angeles Lakers, met the Kings in Sacramento.
The Kings entered Wednesday’s game at 16-27, tied for 12th place in the Western Conference with the New Orleans Pelicans.