FTX Now Wants To Recover Sponsorships From Celebrities Like Naomi Osaka

Key Points:

• FTX’s new financial advisors are examining payments made to celebrities before the bankruptcy.
• Shaquille O’Neal, Naomi Osaka, Stephen Curry, and Trevor Lawrence were among those who received substantial pre-bankruptcy payments.

In a bid to recover funds following the collapse of Sam Bankman-Fried‘s crypto platform, FTX Group’s new financial advisors are scrutinizing payments made to high-profile celebrities and sports figures, including Shaquille O’Neal, Naomi Osaka, and Stephen Curry, who endorsed the platform before its bankruptcy.

Court documents reveal that FTX’s financial advisors are exploring the possibility of reversing payments made to athletes and celebrities prior to the company’s Chapter 11 filing, utilizing bankruptcy laws.

According to Bloomberg, the extensive list of endorsements underscores the importance of marketing and celebrity endorsements in the crypto world.

Legendary basketball player Shaquille O’Neal, commonly known as Shaq, received nearly $4.3 million from FTX, along with his affiliated company, Authentic Brands Group. Shaq was also named in the class action lawsuit.

Tennis star Naomi Osaka received approximately $3.2 million from FTX affiliate West Realm Shires Services Inc., just two days before the exchange filed for bankruptcy. Similarly, basketball player Stephen Curry received $242,000 through his business, SC30 Inc.

The disclosures also include payments to other athletes, such as quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who received $500,000 in September 2022, and retired baseball player David Ortiz, who received around $600,000 for his charity that supports children’s heart surgeries.

Additional disclosures include approximately $1.2 million in payments to the NBA’s Washington Wizards and Monumental Sports and Entertainment, as well as approximately $484,000 to the Miami Heat, made by an FTX affiliate.

As FTX’s financial advisors pursue recovery, the crypto industry closely watches the outcome of this high-profile legal battle involving celebrity endorsements and the crypto platform’s bankruptcy.

Coincu will continue to update the situation related to Sam Bankman-Fried, you can find out more information through this article.

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