The business of Shaq will thrive with Boston Celtics
|
Shaquille O'Neal will only make $1.39 million with the Celtics next season, but the team's newest player is expected to cash in on endorsements. O'Neal made $15 million through endorsements last year and some expect him to eclipse that market in Boston. "Shaq is a marketing giant," said John Vrooman, a sports economist at Vanderbilt University. "He will benefit from the Hub's strong media presence, where there's money to be made on local endorsements." HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: He won’t be eating Macaroni and Cheese, using coupons at the check-out aisle, or taking public transport. (Not that there’s anything wrong with KD, scoping up discounts at Costco, or riding the bus with characters. I regularly do all three.) Shaquille O’Neal’s 2011 salary with the Boston Celtics is just $1.39 million. While this is nothing to sneeze at, it represents a massive reduction from the $20 million he earned with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2010. No need to shed tears for O’Neal. The future Hall of Famer will still rake in an estimated $15 million from endorsements in 2011. After all, he gets love from Icy-Hot and has that silly television show on ABC. Of course, Boston is a terrific market. There's a huge population base. And the Celtics are one of the game's glamour franchises. O’Neal’s on-court game is in decline, but his off-court game, the business of Shaq, is very much thriving. --Oly Sandor. Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below. |