You’ve probably seen the memes or heard the rumors while scrolling through TikTok. People claim Shaquille O’Neal—the four-time NBA champion and world’s most lovable giant—is basically the secret landlord of the mall. They say he owns everything from JCPenney to Marilyn Monroe’s ghost. But the one that really trips people up is the fast-fashion giant. Honestly, does shaq own forever 21, or is this just another case of internet exaggeration?
The answer is a bit more complex than a simple "yes" or "no," but it’s mostly yes. Shaq doesn’t walk into a Forever 21 store and start counting the cash registers himself. However, he is a massive stakeholder in the company that actually holds the keys.
The Authentic Brands Connection: How Shaq Became a Fashion Mogul
To understand Shaq’s relationship with Forever 21, you have to look at a company called Authentic Brands Group (ABG).
📖 Related: SSN Required Wendy's Application: Why They Ask and What to Do
Back in 2015, Shaq did something incredibly smart. He sold the rights to his own brand—his name, his likeness, and his various trademarks—to ABG. But instead of just taking a massive check and walking away, he did the ultimate "big brain" move. He told Jamie Salter, the CEO of ABG, that he wanted to be a partner. He took a huge chunk of that money and reinvested it right back into the company.
Because of that deal, Shaq became the second-largest individual shareholder in Authentic Brands Group.
Why does that matter? Well, ABG is a brand-buying machine. They specialize in swooping in when iconic brands are struggling and bringing them back to life. In 2020, Forever 21 was in deep trouble, facing bankruptcy and the very real possibility of disappearing forever. ABG, along with partners like Simon Property Group, stepped in and bought the retailer for about $81 million.
So, since Shaq owns a massive piece of ABG, and ABG owns Forever 21, Shaq technically owns a significant slice of that trendy clothing store your younger sister loves.
It’s Not Just Forever 21
If you think the clothing store is the only thing in his portfolio, you’re barely scratching the surface. Through his stake in ABG, Shaq has a hand in a staggering number of household names.
🔗 Read more: AED to INR: What You Need to Know About the United Arab Emirates Currency to Indian Currency Exchange Right Now
- Reebok: This was a huge full-circle moment for him. Shaq was the first big athlete to sign with Reebok back in the day. Now, he’s not just an endorser; he’s essentially the boss.
- Brooks Brothers: The fancy suit place? Yeah, Shaq owns a piece of that too.
- Marilyn Monroe & Elvis Presley: ABG owns the intellectual property rights to these icons. Every time you see a Marilyn Monroe poster or an Elvis-themed shirt, Shaq is likely getting a tiny slice of that pie.
- Sports Illustrated: Even the legendary sports magazine falls under the ABG umbrella.
It’s a wild strategy. While most retired athletes are opening one or two restaurants, Shaq decided to buy the companies that own the brands. He’s often joked that he’s the "luckiest guy in the world," but looking at these moves, it’s clear it wasn't luck. It was a calculated bet on the "Authentic" business model.
The "Jeff Bezos" Investment Strategy
Shaq hasn't always been this savvy. In his early days, he admitted to blowing through his first million-dollar check in about 45 minutes. He bought cars, jewelry, and stuff he didn't need.
What changed? He started listening to people like Jeff Bezos. Shaq once said he heard Bezos mention that he only invests in things that are going to change people's lives. Shaq adapted that: he only invests in things he actually likes and uses.
He likes affordable clothes? He gets involved with Forever 21.
He likes pizza? He joins the board of Papa John’s and buys a bunch of franchises.
He likes Krispy Kreme? He buys a store in Atlanta.
Why Forever 21 Was a Smart Move
Buying a fast-fashion brand in the middle of a retail apocalypse sounds like a bad idea on paper. But for Shaq and ABG, it was about data and reach. Forever 21 has a massive footprint and a direct line to Gen Z consumers. By integrating his other brands—like Reebok—into Forever 21 stores, he creates a self-sustaining ecosystem.
He’s basically built a world where he is his own best customer and his own best partner.
🔗 Read more: New York Stock Exchange Holidays 2024: What Most People Get Wrong
The Reality of His Ownership
Let's be clear: Shaq isn't the CEO of Forever 21. He’s not deciding the hemline of next season’s skirts or picking out floral patterns for crop tops. He is a high-level investor and a strategic advisor. He uses his massive social media presence and cultural "cool" factor to keep these brands relevant.
When people ask "does shaq own forever 21," the most accurate way to describe it is that he is a part-owner of the parent company. He’s a billionaire-in-the-making who realized that owning the "IP" (intellectual property) is way more profitable than just being a face on a billboard.
How to Apply the Shaq Strategy to Your Life
You don't need $100 million to start thinking like the Big Aristotle. Here are a few takeaways from his business playbook:
- Invest in what you know. Don't dump money into a tech startup if you don't understand tech. Shaq buys pizza and sneakers because he understands pizza and sneakers.
- Equity over endorsement. Instead of just taking a one-time fee to promote a product, ask if there’s a way to get a stake in the company. Long-term ownership beats a short-term paycheck every time.
- Find the right partners. Shaq didn't try to run ABG himself. He partnered with Jamie Salter, a guy who had been in the licensing game for decades. Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you in their specific niche.
- Diversify, but stay focused. Shaq owns car washes, gyms, and fashion brands, but they all fall under the umbrella of "consumer goods and services." He stays in his lane while owning multiple lanes.
Next time you walk past a Forever 21 at the mall, just remember: the guy who used to shatter backboards is probably the one making sure those doors stay open. It's a masterclass in post-career reinvention.