The owners of cybersecurity firm NordVPN and British basketball champions London Lions have signed up NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal as an ambassador.
The 7ft 1in O’Neal, a four-time NBA champion and member of the USA Dream Team who won Olympic gold at the Atlanta 1996 Games, is promoting NordVPN under the slogan “Go big on your online protection”.
NordVPN is owned by Lithuanian tech investor Tesonet, which acquired London Lions in 2024 and is bankrolling its ambitions to compete at the highest level of European basketball.
London Lions are set to make history by becoming the first British team to face an NBA side when they face Portland Trail Blazers in a preseason game in Oregon next month.
At present, there are no plans for O’Neal to have any interaction with London Lions as part of his ambassador agreement with NordVPN.
“We’ve evolved into a comprehensive online security suite, and Shaq was the obvious fit to help spread the message,” said NordVPN chief marketing officer Toma Sabaliauskiene.
“He brings a unique blend of strength, trust, and relatable humor to the table, supporting the idea that world-class cybersecurity doesn’t have to be intimidating.”
Shaq’s big business
Since retiring in 2011, O’Neal has remained prominent in basketball through his award-winning work as an NBA analyst and a spell as minority owner of the Sacramento Kings.
He has also been a pioneering investor and entrepreneur asn early backer of Google and prolific owner of restaurant franchises including Five Guys and Krispy Kreme. Last year he agreed to pay $1.8m to settle a lawsuit related to his promotion of bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTX.
“I only work with people and brands I believe in, and NordVPN is serious about helping people stay protected online,” said O’Neal.
“Everybody is online every day, but a lot of people still think cybersecurity is too complicated or that it doesn’t apply to them. NordVPN makes it easier to understand, and I can help make sure people pay attention. We are a strong team.”