Shaq's Daughter, Me'Arah O'Neal, Encouraged To Stay In School Because NIL Pays More Than WNBA
Most athletes look forward to the massive paychecks that come with going pro. Women's basketball players, though? Not so much.
In fact, Shaunie O'Neal is encouraging her daughter Me'Arah to stay in school for as long as possible. Because NIL money is way better than a WNBA salary.
"For the women, for sure, hold on to your college career and NIL money," Shaq's ex-wife Shaunie told TMZ. "The more I look into it, the more I see these WNBA players are doing multiple things just to make that kinda money."
Shaq's youngest daughter, Me'Arah, is the No. 33 recruit in ESPN’s 2024 class. In November, the 6-foot-4 forward committed to the University of Florida. She chose to become a Gator over offers from several other schools — including LSU, where her father played in college before his Hall-of-Fame NBA career.
Me'Arah's skills (combined with her last name) will undoubtedly earn her some hefty NIL offers.
"I think those college students who are able to get these NIL deals, ride it until the wheels fall off!" Shaunie said.
And that's some seriously savvy financial advice from Mom.
WNBA Players Don't Make Much Money (Relatively, Of Course)
The average salary for a WNBA player during the 2023 season was $147,745. That's certainly a respectable salary for a normal person, but it's poverty compared to the NBA — where players make, on average, $9.7 million per year.
The highest-paid WNBA player earns a base salary of around $240,000.
Meanwhile, collegiate hoopers are raking in the cash. Take a look at the top-5 women's basketball players, according to On3 NIL valuations:
- Angel Reese (LSU): $1.7 million
- Flau'jae Johnson (LSU): $1.1 million
- Caitlin Clark (Iowa): $910K
- Haley Cavinder (TCU): $868K
- Paige Bueckers (UConn): $652K
Of course — NIL or not — no one in the O'Neal family is running out of money anytime soon. But Me'Arah might as well roll in that cash while she can.
"If she can hold on to that NIL money and be in college and get a great education along with playing the sport she loves, then why not?!" Shaunie said.
Hard to argue with that logic.