August 24th 2025.
Former NBA player Shaquille O'Neal, also known as Shaq, has announced his plans to give back to his alma mater, Louisiana State University (LSU), in a unique way. He will be investing in the new arena on campus, becoming one of the first investors in the project.
Shaq revealed his intentions to join as an early investor on August 22nd. The construction of the arena, which is estimated to cost $400 million, will support LSU's Division 1 athletic teams. In a statement released to the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report, the 53-year-old expressed his excitement for the project and his high hopes for the arena.
"LSU and Baton Rouge deserve a world-class arena, and I'm thrilled to endorse Oak View Group's plan," wrote Shaq, who is also an entrepreneur. "I have had the pleasure of working with OVG in various venues across the country, and they have proven to be the best partners and operators. I am looking forward to being the first investor to help bring this new venue to Baton Rouge and LSU."
Shaq has not only made a name for himself as a basketball legend but also for his business acumen. Along with being a sports analyst, he has a variety of investments and brand deals that have made him a well-known media personality.
However, despite Shaq's pledged involvement, the project has not yet begun. While he hopes his public endorsement will seal the deal, no agreement has been finalized with Oak View Group, the developer involved. LSU Athletics has also stated that the proposed project is still under "due diligence review" and has not requested any government approval yet.
Oak View Group has faced some scrutiny as its former CEO, Tim Leiweke, was indicted by the Department of Justice. He is currently facing allegations for his alleged involvement in a "bid-rigging scheme" for the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. The company operates multiple venues globally, but it also has other pending cases, including an antitrust case against Ticketmaster, where they were referred to as a "pimp" for its parent company, Live Nation.
The proposed project for LSU's new arena has already faced criticism from local voices due to the lack of transparency surrounding its development. However, if Shaq and other parties can secure the deal, the arena could potentially open as early as 2029.
While Shaq has not addressed Oak View Group's controversial history, there are various factors that play a role in whether or not construction will actually begin in Baton Rouge. Despite the uncertainties, Shaq's dedication to giving back to his alma mater and the potential for a new state-of-the-art arena on campus has caught the attention of many.
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