Napoli Basket has officially announced that NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal will join its ownership-led project as a key global ambassador. The initiative, led by Matt Rizzetta, aims to turn Napoli into a European basketball powerhouse with NBA-style culture and visibility.
Napoli Basket is stepping into a new era — and it's doing so with one of basketball’s most iconic figures by its side.
At a press conference unveiling the club's rebranding and new ownership vision, team president Matt Rizzetta confirmed that Shaquille O'Neal, four-time NBA champion and global basketball ambassador, will be actively involved in the project.
“Shaq is already excited and enthusiastic about being part of what we’re building here in Naples,” said Rizzetta.
“He’s not just a basketball legend—he’s a cultural force. When we discussed the vision for Napoli Basket with him and his manager, they immediately fell in love with it."
A global vision for a local icon
Rizzetta, whose business roots lie in the U.S. and Italy, emphasized the project’s intention to blend Naples' local soul with a global strategy, starting with the involvement of personalities like Shaquille O'Neal.
"We want to make Napoli the first truly global European basketball brand," Rizzetta said. “Shaq’s charisma, his people-first mentality, and his universal appeal make him the perfect partner. This is a dream collaboration for our fans and our city.”
While the exact role O’Neal will play is still being finalized, sources close to the club suggest he could serve as a strategic ambassador, marketing face, and advisor for international expansion efforts — particularly in the U.S. market, where basketball dominates.
How it happened: Dan Doyle, the NBA connection
The bridge to Shaq came through Daniel Doyle, Rizzetta’s business partner and a key investor in the project.
“I come from a basketball family—my father played in the NBA during the era of Wilt Chamberlain,” Doyle shared. “I’m not a GM or a coach, but I understand how building an organization works. When we spoke to Shaq, he immediately understood the vision. It’s about people, culture, and long-term growth.”
Doyle will act as Special Advisor to Rizzetta, helping build not only a competitive basketball club but a cultural movement tied to the values of humility, hard work, and family—values that O’Neal has long championed both during and after his NBA career.
Laughlin and Magro on NBA-style culture
James Laughlin, another newcomer to the club’s leadership, brings NBA experience and sees the Napoli project as a chance to implant NBA-level professionalism and team culture into Italy’s Serie A.
“Basketball is basketball, but culture is everything,” Laughlin said. “Shaq represents the culture we’re trying to build—passion, integrity, fun, and excellence. We're not just signing names. We’re building something authentic and sustainable."
Newly appointed head coach Alessandro Magro echoed those thoughts, citing the importance of character, effort, and unity:
“We’re not here to just win games; we’re here to make fans proud,” Magro said. “Shaq’s story, from his humble roots to NBA stardom, fits perfectly with the soul of Naples.”
Plans include partnerships with American clubs, international friendlies, digital content initiatives, and fan engagement on both sides of the Atlantic.
“Shaq brings the kind of global attention that most European clubs only dream of,” said Rizzetta. “We’re here to build a brand, but also to represent Naples with pride and authenticity.”
