Shaquille O’Neal reiterates his interest in investing in an NBA team

NBA legend-turned-TNT analyst Shaquille O’Neal has made his interest in investing in an NBA franchise known on numerous occasions in the past. O’Neal previously owned a minority share in the Sacramento Kings in 2013. However, he was forced to sell it earlier this year. So O’Neal now has his sights set on buying an even bigger stake in a different NBA franchise, via his recent interview with TMZ Sports.

O’Neal was initially asked about his interest in purchasing one of his former teams, the Phoenix Suns, which is currently for sale. O’Neal explained that he and his business partners haven’t had any concrete discussions regarding purchasing the Suns. However, they are still looking to get involved in purchasing a franchise at some point.

"I haven't had any discussions with my partners, so I can't make the statement yet, but we're still looking to be heavily involved in purchasing an NBA team," O’Neal said.

O’Neal previously spoke about his interest in buying the Suns a couple of months ago in a prior interview with TMZ. However, he explained that he did not want to get into a bidding war with a heavy hitter like billionaire businessman Jeff Bezos. Bezos was also reported to be interested in purchasing the Suns at the time.

"I was interested but when Big Man J.B. said he was interested, nobody can compete with Big Man J.B.," O’Neal said.

"Once Jeff Bezos put his name in the hat, all you others just close your checkbook and go home," O’Neal added.

Bezos has since moved on to different business endeavors. However, Suns owner Robert Sarver recently received a massive offer worth $3 billion from a venture capitalist group, via The Wall Street Journal.

“Two venture capitalists have submitted a bid to buy the Phoenix Suns and Mercury professional basketball teams for $3 billion, an offer that could include financing from tech mogul Peter Thiel, according to people familiar with the matter and an offer sheet reviewed by The Wall Street Journal. The group is one of a handful of potential buyers, according to the people,” the report read.

So it looks like Shaquille O’Neal and his team will likely have to wait for a more affordable NBA franchise to invest in.

Shaquille O’Neal interested in purchasing an NFL franchise as well

During his interview with TMZ Sports, Shaquille O’Neal was also asked if he had any interest in purchasing an NFL franchise. O’Neal explained that he would like to buy an NFL team as well. However, he wants it to be a team near one of the cities he lives in so he can be involved with the franchise.

"Yeah, but this time around when I purchase a team, I want to be heavily involved. I would like it to be in a place where I'm living at. If it ain't the Dolphins, the Cowboys, or the Raiders, and those teams are way too expensive for me, but my main man J.B. can write that check!" O’Neal said.

For Shaquille O’Neal’s full interview with TMZ Sports, click here.

Also read this: The key businesses which have sent Shaquille O'Neal's net worth soaring: What companies does Shaq own, where has he invested, and more