“I think it’s very unfair,” Shaq emphatically told HollywoodLife. “I think women are as great as men are and I think they should be paid the same, sometimes even more, especially the USA soccer team because they’ve been dominant for so long and somebody needs to level the playing field.” This powerful statement underscores a sentiment shared by many advocates for gender equality in sports. O’Neal specifically lauded the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, which, led by captains like Carli Lloyd, Becky Sauerbrunn, Alex Morgan, and Megan Rapinoe, had just achieved an extraordinary feat by securing their fourth Women’s World Cup title. This victory cemented their status as the most successful women’s soccer team globally, yet their financial compensation often falls short when compared to their male counterparts, despite their superior on-field results and significant fan engagement.

The disparity highlighted by Shaq is not an isolated incident but a systemic issue that reverberates across various professional sports. While male athletes often command multi-million dollar salaries, lucrative endorsement deals, and substantial prize money, even top-tier female athletes frequently face a stark contrast in earnings. The U.S. Women’s Soccer Team’s ongoing fight for equal pay has brought this issue to the forefront of national and international conversations. Their consistent excellence, marked by multiple World Cup triumphs and Olympic gold medals, stands as irrefutable evidence of their skill, dedication, and marketability. Yet, the financial structures within the sport have historically undervalued their contributions, leading to a profound sense of injustice that Shaq, among others, feels compelled to challenge.

Shaquille O’Neal’s advocacy is particularly impactful given his immense stature and influence. As a male icon who has achieved pinnacle success and financial security in a male-dominated sport, his voice lends significant weight to the argument for gender pay equity. His willingness to speak out challenges traditional narratives and encourages a broader dialogue among athletes, sports organizations, sponsors, and fans. The issue extends beyond soccer, affecting leagues and individual athletes in basketball (WNBA), tennis, hockey, and many other disciplines where women consistently deliver high-performance athleticism and captivate audiences. Shaq’s call to “level the playing field” is a plea for re-evaluation of how success, viewership, and revenue generation are perceived and rewarded in women’s sports, urging a shift towards equitable investment and compensation.

Beyond his forthright opinions on sports equity, Shaq also reflected on his own journey of financial success and strategic investment. Despite his disappointment with the pay gap in women’s sports, O’Neal has ample reason to celebrate his own business acumen. He recently revealed a significant increase in his net worth, quadrupling it after gleaning invaluable insights from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. This revelation offers a glimpse into the mindset of a successful entrepreneur who continues to evolve and learn long after his decorated NBA career concluded. Shaq articulated a refreshingly simple yet profoundly effective investment philosophy that guided this impressive financial growth.

“The strategy is to invest in companies that are goinged to change people’s lives,” Shaq explained. This principle highlights a conscious decision to back ventures with a broader societal impact, rather than solely focusing on short-term gains. His approach transcends mere financial speculation, aligning with a vision of supporting innovation that genuinely improves daily living or addresses critical needs. Such investments could span various sectors, from technology startups developing groundbreaking solutions to healthcare companies revolutionizing patient care, or even educational platforms making knowledge more accessible. By prioritizing companies that promise transformative change, Shaq positions his portfolio not just for financial returns but also for contributing positively to the future. This strategy reflects a growing trend among influential investors who seek to merge profitability with purpose, understanding that long-term value is often created by businesses that genuinely resonate with and serve their communities.

Shaq’s partnership in BEER PARK, where he gave this exclusive interview, serves as another testament to his diverse investment portfolio and his hands-on involvement in various business ventures. From fast-food franchises to technology companies, and entertainment venues, O’Neal has demonstrated a remarkable ability to identify promising opportunities and leverage his brand to ensure their success. His entrepreneurial journey post-NBA has been as impressive as his basketball career, transforming him from a dominant athlete into a savvy businessman and an influential public figure with a powerful platform. His ability to adapt, learn from titans like Jeff Bezos, and implement a thoughtful investment strategy showcases his multifaceted talent and relentless drive for excellence in all his pursuits.

In addition to opening up about the ups and downs of sports and success, Shaq also offered his take on the upcoming 2019-20 NBA season, providing a prediction that, while seemingly biased, was delivered with his characteristic confidence and humor. When asked about the best basketball team for the season, his answer was both expected and amusing: “The Sacramento Kings, because I’m part owner,” he confidently stated. This declaration, met with a smile, perfectly encapsulates Shaq’s personality – a blend of loyalty, playful swagger, and business savvy.

His part-ownership of the Sacramento Kings gives him a vested interest, making his prediction more than just fan speculation; it’s a statement of commitment and belief in his team. While the Kings might not have historically been considered top contenders, Shaq’s association brings a different kind of prestige and optimism. His involvement, even from a front-office perspective, injects a dose of celebrity and strong leadership into the franchise. This personal connection underscores his enduring passion for basketball and his desire to contribute to the sport even after retirement from playing. The idea that “we can totally see it” hints at the powerful influence a figure like Shaq can have, not just on the court, but in shaping the narrative and potential of an entire organization. His ability to command attention and inspire confidence, whether he’s discussing player salaries or team prospects, remains undeniable.

Ultimately, Shaquille O’Neal’s presence at the BEER PARK opening offered a multifaceted view into the life and mind of a living legend. From his unwavering stance on demanding equal pay for women athletes – particularly championing the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team’s fight for justice – to his shrewd investment strategies inspired by industry giants, and his lighthearted but loyal prediction for the Sacramento Kings, Shaq continues to demonstrate his diverse impact. He stands as an influential voice not just in sports, but in broader societal conversations, consistently advocating for fairness and strategic growth. His commitment to investing in companies that “change people’s lives” further solidifies his legacy as an individual who values purpose alongside profit, making him a truly unique and inspiring figure whose insights resonate far beyond the basketball court.