Shaq Gave Up A $40 Million Reebok Sneaker Deal To Sell Shoes At Walmart After A Mother Approached Him Complaining About The High Price For Young Fans — Despite Criticism, He's Sold Over 400 Million Pairs

Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O'Neal often called Shaq, is a familiar figure not only in sports but also in the arena of business and philanthropy. 

While most people remember him for his dominant presence on the basketball court, few are aware of his unconventional and innovative business decisions. One game-changing choice was aligning himself with Walmart Inc. to launch his shoe brand.

The story begins in 1995. While many NBA stars were chasing exclusive deals with big-name sports brands, O'Neal had a different vision in mind. His loyalty to Reebok was questioned when a mother bravely confronted him, asking why his sneakers were so expensive that regular families couldn't afford them.

Trending: Until 2016 it was illegal for retail investors to invest in high-growth startups. Thanks to changes in federal law, this Kevin O’Leary-Backed Startup Lets You Become A Venture Capitalist With $100

Rather than dismissing her concerns, O'Neal empathized. Moved by her words, the 26-year-old basketball sensation gave her $2,000 and made a decision. He said, "I thought about it. I was like, you know what, she's right."

He remembers the day clearly, adding, "I told them I said, ‘Keep the money. This ain't right. Don't want to make it no fight. I'll still wear the shoes and I'll wear it during the season, but I'll be looking to do my own thing.'"

And that's exactly what he did. Pursuing his love for Walmart, known for its affordability, O'Neal launched his shoe brand.

Ready to supercharge your investment game? Discover exclusive opportunities in the world of startups that you won’t find anywhere else! Don’t miss out—explore now! Click here to seize the opportunity!

His choice to partner with Walmart stemmed from a deep desire to offer quality shoes that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, could afford. Many were skeptical, doubting the viability of such a move from a high-profile NBA star. But by 2021, O'Neal silenced critics by selling 400 million pairs. He showcased the massive factory where the shoes were made on his Instagram, illustrating the grand scale of his vision.

Beyond his basketball and business accomplishments, O'Neal has dedicated himself to various charitable causes, cementing his reputation as more than an athlete.

Don't Miss: Operating a fully booked hotel is beyond stressful, but it's about to become much more efficient thanks to one startup. It amassed $5.5 million in its seed round, quintupled its customer base in nine months and is looking for investors.

Shoes were just the beginning. Inspired by business mogul Jeff Bezos, O'Neal invests in innovative projects and startups aiming to better people's lives. At TechCrunch Disrupt 2023 he said, "I'm over investing worrying about the monetary returns," a reflection on past financial missteps. A prime example is his investment in Edsoma, an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven platform designed to boost students’ reading skills.

O'Neal's story shows that you don't need to be an NBA legend or a tech guru to make a difference. Today, anyone passionate about change and innovation can invest in startups, opening doors to endless possibilities.