Overview

• The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced O’Neal among 35 honorees for the Class of 2026, making him the lone figure in the Sports Entertainment category.
• Nominees must have at least five years of professional achievement and demonstrable civic impact, both of which O’Neal met through his philanthropic work and media roles.
• After retiring from the NBA, O’Neal expanded his profile with acting appearances, DJ sets as DJ Diesel, an analyst role on Inside the NBA and various business pursuits.
• Social media reactions from fans and fellow celebrities ranged from surprise to congratulations, with many commenting that the honor was long overdue.
• The formal induction ceremony for all 2026 honorees is scheduled to take place on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in mid-2026.