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Candace Parker Reveals Why She’s Done Flying on Shaquille O’Neal’s Private Jet

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Madz Dizon | Last updated Jul 10, 2025 2:39 AM ET

WNBA legend Candace Parker has made it clear that she won’t be taking any more rides on NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal’s private jet.

Parker, who recently retired from the WNBA and became the president of Adidas Women’s Basketball, shared the story during a funny interview on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”

Guest host Anthony Anderson asked Parker about working with O’Neal on TNT’s “Inside the NBA,” where the two have become close friends and coworkers.

Parker said the decision to skip future flights with O’Neal started when they were working in North Carolina. After a shoot, O’Neal invited Parker to fly with him to Los Angeles on his private jet.

At first, Parker thought it sounded great. “OK, that beats getting in line at Delta,” she joked.

But the experience quickly turned into something she wasn’t expecting.

“This dude DJ’ed on full blast for 4 hours and 38 minutes,” Parker revealed. For nearly five hours, O’Neal played loud EDM music on the plane without stopping.

If that wasn’t enough, the last 35 minutes of the flight took an even stranger turn.

“Then he proceeded the last 35 minutes to fall asleep and snore louder than the music,” Parker said, making the audience laugh.

Parker summed it up simply: “That was the first and the last time that I took Shaq’s plane.”

Anderson helped explain to viewers that O’Neal really is a DJ, but his music style might not be for everyone.

“Shaq really is a DJ, but his choice of music is EDM,” Anderson said, confirming Parker’s story.

Parker added that even at work on Tuesday nights, O’Neal can’t resist spinning tracks in the viewing room while they’re trying to watch NBA games.

“He’s a personal DJ, but you gotta love the big fella,” she said.

Despite her decision to stay off his private jet, Parker made sure to remind everyone how much she respects and cares for O’Neal.

“Definitely love him a lot,” she said.

Parker and O’Neal have a strong friendship built over years of working together. According to PEOPLE, O’Neal even praised Parker on-air last year after she announced her retirement, telling her, “I love you. I’m so proud of you. Good luck in your new endeavor.”

Parker thanked him back, calling him a role model not just on the court but also in business.

Parker, a two-time WNBA MVP and three-time champion, has shifted her focus to business and broadcasting after leaving professional basketball. Meanwhile, O’Neal remains a big name on TV and in business, and yes—he’s still DJing.

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

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