Another holiday season, another unforgettable Shaq-A-Claus event — and if Shaquille O’Neal has his way, this heart-warming tradition is only getting started.
Fresh off yet another successful edition of Shaq-A-Claus, the NBA legend told TMZ Sports that his long-term vision for the annual holiday celebration goes far beyond a single city or state. In fact, Shaq says he wants to take Shaq-A-Claus nationwide — all 50 states.
The Hall of Famer joined TMZ Live from Georgia, where he helped treat hundreds of kids to toys, surprises, and unforgettable holiday experiences. It marked the 24th year O’Neal has hosted some version of Shaq-A-Claus — an event that has quietly become one of the longest-running celebrity-led holiday givebacks in sports.
And yet, in true Shaq fashion, he says it’s still not enough.
“I want to get 50 of my biggest friends,” O’Neal explained, “and they just take care of where they’re from.”
That idea — a massive, coast-to-coast “Shaq-A-Thon” — would bring Shaq’s signature holiday magic to communities nationwide, powered by athletes, entertainers, and business leaders stepping up in their hometowns. It’s a big vision, but then again, everything Shaq does tends to be big.
Over the years, Shaq-A-Claus has become legendary for its scale and surprises. Past events have featured shopping sprees, bikes and toys by the truckload, custom holiday experiences, and Shaq himself playing Santa — minus the sleigh, plus a 7-foot-1 presence kids never forget.
Despite retiring from basketball years ago, O’Neal says the motivation behind Shaq-A-Claus has never changed.
“Some people call this giving,” he said. “I call it doing what my mother started, and what she told me to do.”
Shaq has often credited his parents — especially his mother — for instilling values that guide everything he does today. Helping kids, supporting families, and showing up in person are non-negotiables for him, not publicity stunts.
“A lot of kids look up to me,” Shaq added. “I’m still kind of amazed that I haven’t played basketball in 50 years and kids still look up to me.”
That connection is exactly what makes Shaq-A-Claus special. It’s not just about toys or gifts — it’s about visibility, presence, and making kids feel seen during the holidays.
O’Neal also reflected on how listening to his parents helped shape his life beyond basketball.
“I’ve been fortunate enough because I listen to my parents,” he said. “I get to live the American dream.”
The conversation with TMZ even veered into classic Shaq chaos, featuring laughs, storytelling, and an impromptu spelling challenge — with a luxury car jokingly placed on the line.
For Shaq, though, the real prize is seeing kids smile.
And if his 50-state vision becomes reality, Shaq-A-Claus might soon be coming to a neighborhood near you.