NBA Legend Shaquille O'Neal Announces Personal News Before Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Aug 18, 2025 2:11 PM ET

Shaquille O'Neal is widely regarded as one of the best athletes in NBA history.

While O'Neal is mainly known for his time chasing NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat and several other teams across the league, he's also turned into one of the most successful businessmen in the sports realm.

Following his retirement from the NBA, O'Neal has been involved in several off-court ventures, such as acting, government work, sports broadcasting and his official candy business, "Shaq-A-licious."

On Monday, a report revealed a big move for O'Neal and his personal candy business.

Shaquille O'Neal partnered with Hersheypark in Pennsylvania to announce a first for the amusement park.

The park has announced plans to release the Shaq-A-Licious Laff Trakk, a glowing indoor coaster.

"We’re taking the flavour and the fun of my Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies and blowing it up into a larger-than-life adventure," said Shaquille O’Neal. "From the second you step inside, this ride brings non-stop energy and laughs."

After the announcement was made, the vice president of Hersheypark, Vikki Hultquist, spoke on the partnership with Shaquille O'Neal.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with Shaquille O’Neal on a one-of-a-kind ride experience you can only find at Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights," Hultquist said.

As O'Neal works toward this development with his personal brand, he's also preparing for a new season on a broadcasting panel with Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley.

O'Neal and the rest of the panel will be working on their first season with ESPN/ABC during the 2025-26 NBA season.

The season will tip off on October 21, featuring some of the top players in the NBA such as LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Luka Doncic.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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