'Shaq Didn't Like Me'—Now He and Mark Cuban Are Betting on BeatBox Beverages, A $200 Million Brand That Scored One of Shark Tank's Biggest Deals

Shaquille O'Neal and Mark Cuban weren't exactly best friends when they first crossed paths. In fact, they were far from it.

Cuban, the outspoken billionaire former owner of the Dallas Mavericks, used to relentlessly heckle O'Neal from the sidelines. And Shaq? He didn't hold back either. The Hall of Famer recalled Cuban constantly complaining during games, shouting, "Shaq's in the f*ing lane! Three seconds!"

"I didn't like him at first," Shaq admitted on "The Big Podcast with Shaq in December. "The first time, Mark didn't really know me, but he just started talking trash off the bat."

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Cuban, who was sitting beside him, nodded along, proudly owning the history. "Shaq didn't like me right at the beginning… And then it's just like, from there, we got along."

Somewhere along the way, their banter turned into respect. And now, they both happen to be investing in the same company—BeatBox Beverages, a ready-to-drink alcohol brand that has exploded in popularity, skyrocketing to a $200 million valuation.

How They Ended Up in the Same Deal—Without Planning It

Their paths didn't intentionally cross on this one. Cuban jumped in first, way back in 2014, when BeatBox Beverages pitched on "Shark Tank." The company—a brand known for its brightly packaged, party-friendly boozy punches—asked for $200,000 in exchange for 10% equity. Cuban didn't hesitate. He countered with $1 million for a one-third stake, making it one of the biggest investments in "Shark Tank" history at the time.

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That deal turned out to be a home run. BeatBox is now sold in over 65,000 stores nationwide, with flavors that resonate with younger drinkers looking for something beyond the usual beer and seltzers.

A decade later, Shaq—who has an eye for high-growth brands—saw an opportunity. He teamed up with BeatBox to create his own Blueberry Lemonade flavor, bringing his signature larger-than-life energy to the brand. It boasts 11.1% ABV, is gluten-free, and low in sugar—because, of course, Shaq knows his audience.

"When I first came across BeatBox, I saw a brand with that same bold energy," Shaq said, in a statement announcing the partnership. "This partnership felt like a perfect fit."

Big Names, Big Money, and a Bigger Trend

It's not unusual for high-profile investors to find themselves backing the same companies—especially when they have a track record of spotting winners.

Shaq and Cuban, despite their former rivalry, have both built reputations for smart business moves. Shaq's investments range from fast food to tech startups and fitness brands. Cuban, meanwhile, has his hands in everything from biotech to entertainment.

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And BeatBox? It's not just these two who see the potential. The brand has attracted a wave of celebrity investors, like Rob Dyrdek and Louis the Child, who have helped fuel its status as a party staple.

From Trash Talk to Teaming Up

While Cuban and Shaq didn't exactly shake hands and plan this investment together, their shared belief in the brand speaks volumes.

It's a long way from the days of sideline arguments and trade rumors. Back in the early 2000s, Cuban actually tried to bring Shaq to Dallas—but the deal never materialized. Instead, Shaq spent years battling Cuban's Mavericks on the court, while the two threw playful jabs off it.

Now? They're not just on the same side—they're betting on the same billion-dollar beverage industry.

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