"Podcast Future Uncertain for Shaq and Angel Reese Amid Parent Company’s Financial Setbacks"

With Better Collective, the parent company of Playmaker HQ, facing financial trouble, there’s speculation over whether Shaquille O’Neal’s The Big Podcast and Angel Reese’s Unapologetically Angel could be impacted. The $820 million media company recently announced layoffs, with over 100 jobs cut due to challenges in the U.S. and Brazil. This news followed a sharp 36.5% drop in Better Collective's stock and a lowered 2024 revenue forecast, dropping to $385 million. With these financial shifts, fans and analysts alike wonder if the popular podcasts could be next on the chopping block.
An Offshoot in a Versatile Portfolio: Shaquille O'Neal
Shaq’s The Big Podcast has been a fan favorite, covering everything from sports and culture to humorous life advice. Despite its popularity, however, the podcast is just one part of Shaq’s vast business empire. With a net worth bolstered by years of NBA salary, endorsements, and strategic investments, Shaq is financially stable even if the podcast were to end. According to Social Blade, his podcast makes between $9,700 and $155,800 annually on YouTube, but Shaq’s wealth extends far beyond these earnings. His portfolio includes ownership in Papa John’s franchises, stakes in major companies like Lyft and JCPenney, and endorsements like his $11 million deal with WynnBET after selling his stake in the Sacramento Kings.
While Shaq’s podcast is a beloved way to engage with fans, its potential closure would likely be a disappointment for listeners rather than a financial strain for him. Shaq’s financial independence ensures he can pivot with ease, leaving him unaffected by Better Collective's challenges.
Angel Reese's Podcast: The Most Important Source of Income During the Current Rising Popularity
On the other hand, Unapologetically Angel plays a more significant role in Angel Reese's journey towards financial independence. The young WNBA player earns only $73,439 in the league but compares poorly with the revenues in the NBA. Reese's reported monthly rent was even higher than that. The income from her podcast which is estimated to range between $5,200 to $82,800 per month is a very vital aspect of her finances, especially since it complements what she earns from her WNBA salary. The added secondary income, aside from the NIL deals, will help Reese become a branded marketable star with collaborations of such brands as Reebok, Hershey's, and Disney.
Despite her many partnerships with brands, Reese readily admits that her WNBA income alone wouldn't be sufficient. She even joked about “living beyond her means,” during a particularly candid Instagram Live that had her discussing the reality of needing her podcast and sponsorship deals. Losing Unapologetically Angel would be a huge loss on the financial side; more than likely, Reese may become more dependent on these endorsement deals as she transitions toward a professional career.
Potential Impact: Reese Faces Greater Risk Than Shaq
The financial situation at Better Collective might then prove a threat to both the podcasts, but the pain will be more for Reese than for Shaq. While closing the podcast will mean something to Shaq just as another minor setback in a larger portfolio, Unapologetically Angel will make up a fair share of Reese's financial structure. If cuts are to be made, Reese will bear the brunt since her additional income is a result of her modest WNBA salary.