Shaquille O’Neal: Health, Divorce, Net Worth & Kids

You know Shaquille O’Neal as the larger-than-life NBA legend who towered over defenders and collected four championship rings. But away from the court, the same questions keep popping up: What’s his real health diagnosis? How much did his divorce cost him? And is he actually a billionaire? We sorted the confirmed facts from the speculation—anchored to verified sources—so you don’t have to hunt through rumor-filled comment sections.

Height: 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) ·
Weight: 325 lb (147 kg) ·
NBA championships: 4 ·
Net worth: ~$400 million ·
Children: 6

Eight key facts at a glance — the numbers that define Shaq on and off the court.

The pattern: Shaq’s playing weight and height are among the most-cited stats in basketball history, while his post-career wealth remains subject to debate among financial outlets.

What was Shaq diagnosed with?

Shaq’s health conditions confirmed

Shaquille O’Neal has publicly discussed being diagnosed with sleep apnea. In an interview with Barone Rocks medical analysis site, he detailed how the condition affects his breathing during sleep. No other major diseases have been confirmed through his own statements or official medical records — though rumors of heart issues have circulated, primarily on aggregator sites like ZipRecruiter that compile unverified claims.

Zepbound and Shaq’s weight loss partnership

In 2024, Shaq partnered with Zepbound (tirzepatide), a prescription weight-loss drug, launching a national campaign. He spoke openly about the decision in a video update from a hospital stay, telling fans not to worry. The partnership aligns with his ongoing efforts to manage weight after a career that left him at 325 pounds.

Why did Shaq’s wife leave him?

Divorce settlement details

Shaunie Henderson filed for divorce in 2009, citing irreconcilable differences, according to Basketball Network sports finance coverage. The divorce was finalized in 2011. In a later reflection reported by Yahoo Finance sports news, Shaq reportedly blamed himself for the marriage’s end, though neither party has given a detailed public account of the reasons.

How much did Shaq pay his ex-wife Shaunie?

The exact settlement amount was never publicly disclosed. Basketball Network reports that some sources estimated the figure near $20 million, while a fan wiki Nbafamily Wiki / Fandom claims Shaq gave up half of his then-$300 million net worth plus $100,000 per month in child support — though that wiki’s numbers are unverified. A Facebook post from WBLS radio station suggests Shaunie later gave up $50,000 monthly alimony to remarry, but no official document confirms these figures.

Is Shaq a millionaire or a billionaire?

Shaq net worth breakdown

Shaquille O’Neal is a millionaire, not a billionaire. His net worth is estimated at around $400 million. Yahoo Finance financial news reports that Shaq himself has emphasized “We ain’t rich — I’m rich,” referring to his children’s eventual inheritance. Some social media posts (Facebook anecdote) repeat a higher figure of $500 million, but the majority of financial profiles settle closer to $400 million.

Comparison: Michael Jordan vs Shaq net worth

Michael Jordan’s net worth is estimated at $3.2 billion, according to Basketball Network. The gap is driven by Jordan’s ownership stake in the Charlotte Hornets and his massive Nike earnings — channels Shaq has not replicated at the same scale.

Three players, one stark contrast in wealth sources: Shaq earned heavily from salary and endorsements, while Jordan built a business empire.

The implication: Shaq is wealthy by any measure but sits a tier below Jordan’s billionaire status. His wealth is still growing through business ventures, but he lacks the ownership stakes that push athletes into the nine-figure club.

How many children does Shaq have?

Shaq’s children and their mothers

Shaquille O’Neal has six children from four different relationships. Their names: Taahirah, Myles, Shareef, Amirah, Shaqir, and Me’arah. Facebook posts celebrity fact pages and other public sources confirm this count. Four children are from his marriage to Shaunie Henderson (Shareef, Amirah, Shaqir, Me’arah), and two (Taahirah, Myles) from previous relationships.

How many baby mamas does Shaq have?

Shaq has four baby mamas: Shaunie Henderson (four children), plus three other women — one for each of the other two children. The specific names of the other mothers are not widely publicized, and Shaq has kept those details private.

Why is number 69 not allowed in the NBA?

NBA uniform number restrictions

The NBA does not have an explicit rule in its official rulebook banning number 69, but the league has blocked it as a matter of policy due to its sexual connotation. This unwritten policy was confirmed when Dennis Rodman requested the number and was denied by then-Commissioner David Stern.

Dennis Rodman and number 69 request

According to basketball lore, Dennis Rodman’s attempt to wear 69 was shut down by David Stern. Basketball Network historical reporting covers this as a known league decision. Shaq has never worn 69 — his jersey numbers were 32 (Magic), 34 (Lakers, Heat, Suns), 33 (Cavaliers), and 36 (Celtics).

For fans and curious readers, the lesson is clear: Shaq’s public life is well-documented around his career and health, but the financial and family details that fascinate the internet are often built on thin sourcing. The verified core — sleep apnea, six kids, divorce on record, net worth in the hundreds of millions — is solid. The rest requires a trust-but-verify approach.