Few celebrity families capture the public imagination quite like the O’Neals. As of December 2025, the six children of NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal are no longer just "Shaq's kids"; they are forging their own paths in professional basketball, college sports, music, and philanthropy. The O'Neal family legacy is evolving beyond the hardwood, with recent, major updates confirming their status as a modern powerhouse family in sports and entertainment.
This article provides the most current and comprehensive look at all six of Shaquille O’Neal’s children, detailing their latest career moves, biographical profiles, and how they are navigating their father’s famous “tough love” approach to wealth and success. From a major college transfer to a multi-million-dollar philanthropic project, the next generation of O’Neals is making headlines right now.
The Complete Shaquille O’Neal Family Biography (2025)
Shaquille O'Neal is a father to six children: five biological children from two relationships and one stepson. The current date of December 2025 places all of his children firmly in their adult or young adult careers.
- Myles O’Neal (Stepson)
- Born: May 7, 1997
- Age (Dec 2025): 28
- Mother: Shaunie O’Neal (from a previous relationship)
- Current Career: Rising DJ and House Music Producer (influenced by his father, DJ DIESEL), Model.
- Taahirah O’Neal (Daughter)
- Born: July 19, 1996
- Age (Dec 2025): 29
- Mother: Arnetta Yardbourgh (Shaq’s ex-girlfriend)
- Current Career: Director of Social Programs, Philanthropist.
- Shareef O’Neal (Son)
- Born: January 11, 2000
- Age (Dec 2025): 25
- Mother: Shaunie O’Neal (Shaq’s ex-wife)
- Current Career: Professional Basketball Player (NBA G League, Unrestricted Free Agent).
- Amirah “Mimi” O’Neal (Daughter)
- Born: November 13, 2001
- Age (Dec 2025): 24
- Mother: Shaunie O’Neal
- Current Career: College Basketball Player (Transferred to Texas Southern University, previously at LSU).
- Shaqir O’Neal (Son)
- Born: April 19, 2003
- Age (Dec 2025): 22
- Mother: Shaunie O’Neal
- Current Career: College Basketball Player (Transferred to Sacramento State).
- Me’arah O’Neal (Daughter)
- Born: May 1, 2006
- Age (Dec 2025): 19
- Mother: Shaunie O’Neal
- Current Career: College Basketball Player (Florida Gators, McDonald’s All-American).
The O’Neal Family Basketball Legacy: Latest 2025 Career Updates
The biggest headlines surrounding the O'Neal children in late 2024 and throughout 2025 have centered on the continuation of the family’s basketball dynasty. Three of Shaq’s biological children are actively playing high-level college or professional basketball, with a notable new development involving their father’s direct involvement in the college game.
Shaqir O’Neal’s Big Transfer and Shaq’s New Role
One of the most surprising and fresh pieces of news in the O'Neal saga is the college move of Shaqir O’Neal. After playing at Florida A&M University, Shaqir confirmed his transfer to Sacramento State (Sac State) for the 2025-26 NCAA season.
The move gained massive attention because Shaquille O’Neal himself announced he would be taking an unpaid General Manager role for the Sacramento State men's basketball team. This unprecedented move sees the NBA Hall of Famer directly involved with his son's college program, working under new head coach Mike Bibby, a former Sacramento Kings teammate. This level of direct influence from a superstar parent is a unique twist in the O’Neal family narrative, solidifying Shaqir’s journey as one of the most-watched in college hoops.
Me’arah O’Neal: The McDonald’s All-American
The youngest of the O’Neal children, Me’arah O’Neal, is quickly establishing her own dominance in the women's game. After being named a McDonald's All-American, she officially began her college career with the Florida Gators women’s basketball team for the 2024-2025 season.
Standing at 6-foot-4, Me’arah is a highly touted forward who represented Florida at the 2025 USA Basketball 3X Nationals. Her debut season with the Gators, with games documented as recently as November 2025, marks the beginning of the next chapter in the O’Neal basketball legacy, with many already speculating about her future in the WNBA.
Shareef O’Neal’s Professional Journey
The eldest son, Shareef O’Neal, continues his pursuit of an NBA career. After going undrafted in 2022, Shareef played for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Summer League and later joined the NBA G League Ignite.
As of late 2025, he is listed as an Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA), having previously played for the Stockton Kings. Shareef’s journey has been marked by resilience, including a major heart surgery in 2018, making his continued professional career a testament to his dedication to the sport and the O'Neal family name.
Beyond the Court: Music, Business, and Philanthropy
While the O'Neal name is synonymous with basketball, the other children are excelling in fields far removed from the court, highlighting the diversity of talent within the family.
Taahirah O’Neal’s $24 Million Philanthropic Leadership
The eldest daughter, Taahirah O’Neal, is making the most significant impact off the court. In June 2025, she was reported to be leading a massive $24 million Las Vegas Youth Project aimed at extending the decades-long connection the O’Neal family has with the Boys & Girls Club.
Her role as a Director of Social Programs demonstrates a strong commitment to community development and business, proving that the O’Neal family’s influence extends into serious, high-level philanthropy. Taahirah’s path is a clear example of the family’s emphasis on education and professional careers outside of sports.
Myles O’Neal: The DJ and Model Superstar
Stepson Myles O’Neal has carved out a successful career in the entertainment industry, largely focusing on music. He is a rising star in the house music scene, following in the footsteps of his famous stepfather, who performs as DJ DIESEL.
With touring career goals set for 2025, Myles is actively working to become the next superstar in house music. His other work as a model and television personality further establishes him as a major figure in the celebrity world, separate from the O'Neal basketball legacy.
The ‘Tough Love’ Philosophy: Shaq’s Stance on Inheritance and Success
A key entity that defines the O’Neal children’s journey is their father’s infamous "tough love" parenting philosophy, which is often cited as the reason for their drive and diverse career paths. Shaq, whose personal net worth is estimated to be around $400-500 million, has been open about his children not simply inheriting his fortune.
Shaq famously stated, "We ain’t rich, I’m rich," emphasizing that his children must earn their own success. He insists that they must have a business plan and, in some interviews, has even mentioned the requirement of getting two degrees to access his wealth.
This philosophy has manifested in two key ways:
- The Gender Divide: Shaq has noted that his sons are prompted to move out at age 18, while his daughters are allowed to stay home longer. This unconventional approach is part of his strategy to push his sons toward independence and self-sufficiency early in life.
- Focus on Education: Despite their athletic gifts, the children’s focus on college—from Amirah’s time at LSU and TSU, to Shaqir’s new chapter at Sacramento State, and Me’arah's highly-publicized commitment to the Florida Gators—underscores the family’s commitment to education as a primary path to success, fulfilling their father's mandate.
In 2025, the O’Neal children are a testament to this unique parenting style. They have successfully leveraged their famous name to open doors, but their individual success in sports, music, and multi-million-dollar philanthropy is entirely their own, ensuring the O'Neal name remains a powerful force for the next generation.
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