PointsBet lands Shaquille O’Neal as Australian brand ambassador

PointsBet has hired former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal as its new Australian brand ambassador. The four-time NBA champion will headline PointsBet’s new Australia-facing brand campaign across TV, digital, mobile and social media. Andrew Fahey, PointsBet chief marketing officer, said it was an exciting opportunity to partner with the 15-time All Star. Fahey said: “Shaq is an iconic figure in the worlds of sports and entertainment and was our clear number one pick to represent the PointsBet brand in Australia. “US sports, particularly basketball, continue to be the fastest-growing betting sport in Australia, and we are very excited to align with such a transcendent athlete,” he added.

Fahey also revealed that O’Neal will take an equity share in the Victoria-based operator as part of the partnership. Fahey said: “Further, we are delighted that Mr O’Neal has agreed to take part of his consideration in the form of equity in PointsBet, which underscores the alignment and trust across our team and our shared belief in the opportunities ahead for PointsBet.” Speaking on his link-up with PointsBet, O’Neal said: “The rise of responsible sports betting is really exciting and I am so excited to join forces with PointsBet, the best-in-class partner in Australia when it comes to online sportsbooks.” The former Los Angeles Laker star becomes the second former NBA player to join forces with the Aussie operator. In 2018, PointsBet signed NBA legend Allen Iverson as a brand ambassador ahead of its launch in New Jersey.