Shaquille O’Neal considers moving full-time to North Texas as “Inside the NBA” shifts to ESPN and ABC next season.
DALLAS — Whether he’s known as the Big Aristotle, Superman or simply Shaq, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal always makes an impression.
The Hall of Famer and media star made doing just that at an appearance at an Irving 7-Eleven to promote a Texas-based beverage brand he’s invested in. But his trip came with more than just business buzz.
O’Neal already owns a home in North Texas — and now he’s seriously considering making it his permanent residence.
“I’ve been here 30 years in and out. I used to just come in sporadically,” he said. “But listen, I’m from San Antonio, so I know about the Texas culture, but people in Dallas have been very nice, very nice. I’m 75% going to move here full time. I have to see what’s going on with TNT next year because, you know, we got a new schedule, a new partner. So we don’t know how that work’s going to go. But based upon that, you’ll probably be seeing a lot more of me.”
The future of O’Neal’s television career is also shifting. “Inside the NBA” — the wildly popular show that features Shaq, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson — is leaving its longtime home at TNT and moving to ESPN and ABC next season.
“Well, in order for us to be remembered and not forgotten, you have to remain the same, but get better,” O’Neal said, reflecting on the move.
The chemistry and authenticity that define the show — and its off-the-cuff moments — won’t change. That’s the plan, anyway. “Yeah, because, one, we don’t go to preparation meetings. We just show up and go to work,” O’Neal added.
That spontaneous spirit has made for plenty of unforgettable moments, especially between Shaq and Barkley. Their playful, often heated on-air arguments have become must-see TV. But it turns out there’s genuine brotherhood behind the bluster.
“So I never had a big brother,” O’Neal said. “But I am a big brother. And I was talking to my younger brother, and he’s like, ‘Charles do you like you do me?’ We’re very close and besides that he’s a wonderful human being.”
Watch Shaq’s extended interview below
As the basketball world turns its attention to the 2025 NBA Draft, Shaq offered thoughtful advice for the No. 1 overall pick, Cooper Flagg, now a part of the Dallas Mavericks.
“Just take his time,” he said “You know, they’re thinking about NBA and our culture and Texas culture. They’re going to give you room to breathe. First year we want to see what you do. Now if you show us you can do something that second year, we’re going to be expecting something. After that second year, no more excuses.”
When asked what mistake a young NBA star simply cannot make, O’Neal didn’t hesitate. “You have to listen to the important people. First of all, you got to listen to your parents. Listen to the GM. Listen to the trainer and listen to the coach. And then whoever you pick as your friend on the team, a vet, listen to him.”
Even with the Mavericks’ roster in flux — Luka Dončić’s stunning trade, Kyrie Irving recovering from an ACL injury — Shaq sees potential in the team’s future.
“I’ve always liked the Mavericks team. I’d love to see them healthy playing at full strength. You look at it on paper — Cooper, Kyrie, A.D. and all the other guys — definitely going to be in the playoffs.”
Shaquille O’Neal — the basketball philosopher — is betting big on Dallas. And if his instincts are right, Mavericks fans have reason to believe the future could be even bigger.
