Shaquille O’Neal Is the Surprising Owner of Marilyn Monroe’s Legacy!
It may come as a surprise to many, but Shaquille O’Neal, the renowned basketball player, has recently acquired the exclusive rights to the commercial use of Marilyn Monroe’s likeness and name. O’Neal is now the proud owner of the Marilyn Monroe brand – a move that will likely be seen as a highly profitable venture in the near future. From appearances at red carpet events to product endorsements, O’Neal will now be in charge of all commercial marketing involving the iconic celebrity.
The Announcement
It was confirmed in November 2019 that Shaquille O’Neal was the successful bidder for the rights to the Marilyn Monroe legacy after a bidding war between several different interested parties. O’Neal made an announcement on his Instagram page where he declared that he was “thrilled” to become the owner of the Marilyn Monroe brand. In the post, he also stated that while he was a “true fan” of Monroe’s work, he intended to “make sure that the legacy of Marilyn Monroe remains intact” and that he will “properly honor her memory”.
The Deal
The financial details of the deal have not been revealed, but sources have reported that the total amount paid by O’Neal was around $20 million. The funds are coming from a new joint venture between the iconic basketball player and Authentic Brands Group, the company that now holds the rights to the Monroe brand. The agreement will give O’Neal the exclusive worldwide rights to use Monroe’s name and likeness for commercial purposes. This means that any endorsement deals or products related to Marilyn Monroe will now be handled by O’Neal.
The Previous Owner
The previous owners of the Marilyn Monroe rights were the Monroe Estate, which was run by Anna Strasberg, the widow of Monroe’s acting coach Lee Strasberg. Anna Strasberg had been the custodian of Monroe’s estate since her death in 1962, and it was she who decided to put the rights up for sale. Strasberg had been keen to ensure that the rights to Monroe’s legacy were given to an owner who would “protect and respect” the memory of Monroe. It appears that she believes O’Neal is the right man for the job.
What the Deal Entails
The deal between O’Neal and the Monroe Estate is set to be a long and mutually beneficial relationship. O’Neal will now be in charge of deciding how Monroe’s likeness and name are used, and he will also have the power to choose what projects Monroe’s brand is associated with. He will also be responsible for the financial fortunes of any products or endorsements that use Monroe’s brand. This could include anything from clothing lines to books and movies.
O’Neal’s Vision
Shaquille O’Neal has stated that his main priority is to make sure that the legacy of Marilyn Monroe remains intact. He believes that the Monroe brand should be used to inspire and empower people all around the world, and he has promised to play a more active role in deciding how the brand is used. O’Neal has also stated that he wants to use the brand in a way that will “pay respect” to Monroe, and he has promised to make sure that her legacy is never “tarnished” or “cheapened” in any way.
The Background of O’Neal
O’Neal is a well-known basketball player and media personality who has enjoyed a successful career in the NBA. He is also an entrepreneur who has made millions from investments and business ventures. Despite his fame and wealth, O’Neal is widely seen as a humble and down-to-earth individual who has managed to stay grounded throughout his career. This is likely to have played a role in Strasberg’s decision to give O’Neal the rights to the Marilyn Monroe brand.
The Impact on the Monroe Legacy
The acquisition of the Marilyn Monroe rights by Shaquille O’Neal is likely to have a significant impact on Monroe’s legacy. O’Neal will now be in charge of deciding how Monroe’s likeness and name are used, and this is likely to lead to more and more people being exposed to her work. O’Neal has stated that he intends to use the Monroe brand in a way that will “pay respect” to Monroe, and this is likely to mean that her legacy is only likely to grow in the years to come.
The Future of the Monroe Brand
The acquisition of the Monroe brand by Shaquille O’Neal is likely to be a highly lucrative venture for him in the near future. The rights to the Monroe brand were always seen as a potentially lucrative asset, and O’Neal is likely to be in line to make millions from product endorsements and licensing deals. This could see Monroe’s legacy spread even further, as O’Neal is likely to ensure that the brand is associated with quality products and services.
The Future of O’Neal
The acquisition of the Marilyn Monroe rights is likely to further cement Shaquille O’Neal’s status as one of the most successful sports and business figures in the world. O’Neal has already established himself as a highly successful entrepreneur, and the acquisition of the Monroe brand is likely to open up even more opportunities for him. It is also likely to help him to build on his existing business empire, as he will now be in charge of all commercial marketing involving the iconic celebrity.
Conclusion
Shaquille O’Neal’s acquisition of the Marilyn Monroe rights is likely to prove to be a highly profitable venture for him in the near future. O’Neal has vowed to “properly honor” Monroe’s memory and to ensure that her legacy remains intact, and this is likely to help to ensure that the Monroe brand is associated with quality products and services. This could see Monroe’s legacy spread even further, and it is likely to be further cemented with O’Neal in charge.

I’m Kieran Walker, and I’m a Celebrity and Financial Expert. I live in Monaco, and I love helping people make the most of their money. Whether it’s through investments, or just making sure they’re getting the best deals on everything they buy, I want to help as many people as possible grow their wealth.
I’ve worked with some of the biggest names in the world when it comes to finance, and I’m always looking for new ways to help people save money. If there’s one thing I know, it’s that money can be a powerful tool – but only if you use it correctly.