Former pro basketball star Shaquille O’Neal has only expanded his personal branding following his retirement from the sport. Kartoon Channel’s animated series Shaq’s Garage, inspired by Shaq’s personal passion for cars, is set to premiere on Pluto TV June 5. With it comes a number of licensing deals and further opportunities.
Genius Brands International and Andamiro USA announced just today the planned release of the basketball-themed arcade game Tic Shaq Toe. The game is influenced by the upcoming series and will be rolling out in June at a variety of arcades and other entertainment destinations.
“Shaq’s Garage is a unique brand that was inspired by Shaquille O’Neal’s real-life love of cars with a mission to engage and inspire kids of all ages around the world,” says Lloyd Mintz, SVP, Global Consumer Products, Genius Brands. “As we prepare for the global consumer products program this year, our focus is to develop strategic partner collaborations that offer kids and families ways to engage with the brand beyond the traditional categories. Andamiro understood our mission and created a fun and engaging arcade game that will no doubt be a hit with kids.”
Genius Brands also intends to further explore licensing opportunities for Shaq’s Garage by presenting the brand at Licensing Expo this June 13-15 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
The Toy Book and sister publication The Pop Insider will be in attendance at Licensing Expo next month as well. Come by Booth No. N249 to meet the team and grab a 2023 Licensing & Entertainment Issue of The Toy Book and our spring issue of The Pop Insider.
To register to attend Licensing Expo 2023 for free, visit www.licensingexpo.com.
