It’s hard to believe that Shaquille O’Neal has been retired from the NBA for a decade. Since 2011, the engaging personality who fans grew to love on the court has grown his reputation and the brands he’s associated with into an empire. Whether he’s acting, releasing rap albums or representing his restaurant, Big Chicken, if O’Neal is involved in a product or service, it will take center court every time.
Scottsdale-based The Alkaline Water Co. scored a slam dunk when O’Neal became both an equity partner, member of its board of advisors and marquee brand ambassador for its beverage Alkaline88. “I believe in being authentic and only working with brands that I use and trust,” says O’Neal. “I actually reached out to the company after I found their water during a road trip.
“My investment is because the business fundamentals are strong, the product is great, and they are making the world a better place. All the ingredients are there for this to become a big success,” he adds.
Specifically, Alkaline88 is known for its perfect 8.8 ph balance and exceptional hydration qualities. In a unique twist, one version of Alkaline88, enhanced with pink Himalayan salt and electrolytes, is packaged in eco-friendly aluminum bottles, which were a nostalgic attraction for the four-time NBA champion and basketball Hall of Famer. When asked if the aluminum bottle was an attractive component of the product, he says, “One hundred percent! Plus, drinking Alkaline88 water out of the aluminum bottle reminds me of drinking water from the hose as a kid. There is just something magical about that.”
O’Neal, who played for the Phoenix Suns in 2008 and 2009, knows first-hand how brutal the desert heat can be in Arizona. “Everyone need to stay hydrated, but unfortunately, most people aren’t,” O’Neal explains. “Athletes and people who exercise want their muscles to perform at peak levels, and Alkaline88 with its superior hydrating ability is a great solution. And whew! I remember from my Suns days how hot and dry it can be there in the Sonoran Desert! You have to be constantly aware of how much water you are drinking.”
O’Neal continues, “What makes Alkaline88 special is its simple ingredients that people trust. Our competitors use buffers and complicated ingredients.” Alkaline88 is water and pink Himalayan salt — that’s all. Its smooth taste encourages consumers to drink more, allowing them to become more fully hydrated.
“Shaquille O’Neal’s reputation as an astute investor, larger-than-life brand partner and phenomenal ambassador makes this partnership extremely exciting,” says Aaron Keay, chairman of The Alkaline Water Co. “We want to welcome Shaquille to the company’s advisory board and believe his positive presence and global outreach will enable Alkaline88 to aggressively push our growth trajectory even faster.”
O’Neal is engaged and hands-on with his endeavors with Alkaline88. He says, “I’m involved in new product innovation, retail relationships and marketing strategies. I believe Alkaline88 will continue to make products that improve people’s lives, and I believe the business will continue to grow and thrive,” he adds. “I’m happy to be a part of it.”
The Alkaline88 flagship brand of premium alkaline water is now available in 75,000 stores across all trades in the U.S. For more information, visit thealkalinewaterco.com.