Shaquille O’Neal Pledges Investment in Proposed $400M LSU Arena

NBA Hall of Famer and Louisiana State University alumnus Shaq O’Neal has announced plans to become an early investor in a proposed $400 million arena on LSU’s Baton Rouge campus, a venue he says the university and city “deserve.”

Shaquille O’Neal revealed his intentions on 22 August, voicing support for the project’s developer, Oak View Group (OVG), with whom he has previously partnered through his Big Chicken restaurant brand.

“They are the best partners and great operators,” he said, adding that he hopes to be the first investor to help bring the arena to life.

Despite Shaq O’Neal’s public endorsement, LSU Athletics confirmed the arena remains in a “due diligence review” and has yet to secure formal agreements or government approvals.

The proposed facility would serve the school’s Division I athletic teams and host concerts, graduations, and other major events, with a targeted opening in 2029.

Developer Under Scrutiny

OVG, which operates venues worldwide, has faced recent controversy. Former CEO Tim Leiweke was indicted by the US Department of Justice over an alleged bid‑rigging scheme tied to the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. The firm is also involved in an ongoing antitrust case against Ticketmaster.

Local critics have raised concerns about transparency in the project’s planning, while supporters, including several Baton Rouge civic organisations, see it as a potential economic and cultural boost for the region.

Shaquille O’Neal, who starred for LSU before his Hall of Fame NBA career, has not commented on OVG’s legal troubles. His involvement, however, has added star power to a project whose future will depend on the outcome of ongoing negotiations and reviews.