The Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver recently listed the franchise for sale. Sarver made the announcement amid his workplace controversy and misconduct reports. In addition, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal recently disclosed on “The Big Podcast” that he wishes to acquire an NBA franchise to add to his business empire.
A great deal of business tycoons expressed keen interest in purchasing the NBA franchise as soon as the sale listing was made public. O’Neal was one of the potential buyers who expressed interest in buying the franchise. The billionaire and founder of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, was mentioned in a tweet as a potential buyer of the Suns.
Ramona Shelburne on some notable names to look out for as far as who will be the next owner of the Phoenix Suns.#NBATwitter pic.twitter.com/fKNNeOynsQ
— 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧' 𝐍𝐁𝐀 (@_Talkin_NBA) September 21, 2022
Once Bezos’ name was brought up in the auction game, O’Neal knew that his plans of buying the franchise is gone for good. In response to the tweet, a heartbroken O’Neal commented, “Once Jeff Bezos puts his name in the hat, all you others just close your checkbook and go home.”
The Suns are projected to be valued at $1.8 billion, and the net worth of Bezos is just shy of $140 billion, so it’s a piece of cake for the billionaire to buy the franchise.
On the other hand, with a net worth of $400 million, it is impossible for Diesel to buy a $1.8 billion franchise. Besides, he wouldn’t dare compete with one of the world’s richest men. However, he can consider partnering up with Bezos. “If he wants me on board, I would gladly like to talk to him,” Shaq stated. So we can anticipate a collaboration between Shaquille and Bezos, if both parties reach an agreement.
O’Neal has been one of the highest-paid NBA players, earning over $292 million in salary during his career. After his retirement, he invested in multiple real estate properties. He invested $4 million in building his ideal home, which is a 35,000-square-foot mansion with 12 bedrooms, a 600-square-foot basketball court, and a garage that has a capacity of 17 cars.
