If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve probably seen the headlines. One day there’s a photo of Shaq with a model half his age, and the next, there’s a viral clip of his ex-wife at a beautiful wedding. It’s enough to make your head spin. People are constantly asking: who is shaquille married to now? The short, blunt answer? Nobody. Shaquille O’Neal is currently single. He isn't hiding a secret wife in a Florida mansion, and he hasn't eloped with a reality star. As of early 2026, the four-time NBA champion is legally unmarried. Honestly, the confusion usually stems from the fact that his ex-wife, Shaunie, has moved on and remarried, leading many casual fans to assume Shaq did the same. He didn't.
Why Everyone Thinks Shaq Is Married
The internet is a weird place. When you’re as famous as Shaq, a simple "hello" to a woman in a lobby becomes a "breaking news" engagement. Recently, rumors swirled around Shaq and a few high-profile names, including social media personalities and actresses.
In late 2025, Shaq had to publicly shut down rumors that he was dating 21-year-old model Sophie Rain after a photo of them surfaced at a birthday party. He wasn't having it. He basically told the internet to stop making things up, even joking with his trademark humor that he’d "date your mom" before dating someone that young.
Then there was the Monique Martin situation. A photo of Shaq with his arm around her led to a flurry of "Is this the one?" comments. Shaq clapped back again, clarifying that she is the wife of one of his close friends.
The man can’t even take a friendly photo without a wedding registry being drafted by the tabloids.
The Shaunie Henderson Chapter
You can't talk about Shaq's marital status without talking about Shaunie. They were the "it" couple of the early 2000s. They tied the knot in 2002 in a massive, ultra-private ceremony at the Beverly Hills Hotel. For a long time, they were the blueprint for NBA families.
But things crumbled.
Shaq has been incredibly vulnerable about this lately. He admits he "messed it up." On various podcasts and in his own writing, he’s taken full responsibility for the infidelity and the "douchebaggery" (his words, mostly) that led to their 2011 divorce.
- 2007: Shaq first filed for divorce.
- 2008: They reconciled briefly.
- 2009: Shaunie filed for separation, citing irreconcilable differences.
- 2011: The divorce was finalized.
Fast forward to today: Shaunie is now Shaunie Henderson. She married Pastor Keion Henderson in a stunning Anguilla ceremony in 2022. Shaq was actually very supportive, publicly wishing her well and stating that he will always protect and love her as the mother of his children.
The "Shaqanova" Era and Beyond
After his divorce, Shaq didn't exactly go into hiding. He entered what fans called his "Shaqanova" phase.
He was famously engaged to Nicole "Hoopz" Alexander, the winner of Flavor of Love. They were a fan favorite, mostly because of the hilarious 23-inch height difference. They lived together in a massive home in Maryville, Tennessee, but they called off the engagement in 2013.
Then came Laticia Rolle, a model he dated for several years. There were rumors of an engagement there, too, back in 2016, but that fizzled out by 2018. More recently, he’s been linked to actress Annie Ilonzeh, but neither of them ever confirmed they were a "forever" item.
The Reality of Shaq’s Love Life in 2026
So, where does that leave the Big Aristotle today?
Surprisingly, he seems content with being alone. In a late 2025 interview, Shaq got real about his future. He mentioned that he "already knows" he’ll end up alone because he struggles with the "rules" of modern dating.
He even pitched a hilarious (but maybe serious?) idea to Andy Cohen for a reality show called The Next Mrs. where women would compete for his hand in marriage. Whether that actually happens or stays a joke remains to be seen.
What You Should Know About Shaq's Current Status:
- He is not married. He has only been married once in his life.
- He is not engaged. Despite the constant tabloid "sightings," there is no ring on anyone's finger.
- He is a co-parenting pro. He and Shaunie have reached a place of peace for the sake of their six children (Shareef, Shaqir, Amirah, Me’arah, Taahirah, and Myles).
- He is focused on business. Between his various franchises, DJ Diesel sets, and Inside the NBA, he’s busier than most married men.
Common Misconceptions
A lot of people confuse Shaq with other "Shaqs." For instance, there was a Shaq on Love Island who recently went through a public breakup. If you see headlines about "Shaq and Tanya," that’s the reality TV star, not the NBA legend.
Also, don't believe every TikTok "investigative report." If Shaq gets married, it won't be a secret. He’s 7-foot-1; he literally cannot hide.
What’s Next for the Big Man?
Shaq seems to be in a reflective period of his life. He’s making more money than ever, he’s a beloved TV personality, and he’s watching his kids succeed in basketball and business. While he jokes about finding a wife on a reality show, he also seems to have a deep respect for the institution of marriage—one he admits he didn't respect enough when he actually had it.
If you're looking for a takeaway, it's this: Who is shaquille married to now? The answer is his career, his kids, and his legacy. He’s living proof that you can be incredibly successful and still have regrets, but you can also find a way to be happy in the aftermath.
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If you want to stay updated on the actual facts of Shaq's life, follow his official social media or watch him on TNT. Avoid the "broke blogs" as Shaq calls them. They’re usually just looking for clicks using his giant name.
To get the most accurate picture of Shaq's personal philosophy today, check out his appearances on The Pivot Podcast. He goes much deeper into his past mistakes and current mindset than any tabloid headline ever will.