Say what you want, but the entire NFT market has had a rough 2022. Crypto prices have shrunk, and a considerable number of NFT projects came to be known for their “rug-pulls.”
You and I might have suffered from drops in value within our NFT collections, but you’re probably not in pain like these three celebrities.
Shaquille O’Neal
In September 2021, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal purchased Creature World #9018 for $14,500, approximately 5 ETH at the time.
Creature World #9018 is currently not listed for sale on the NFT marketplace, OpenSea. However, it has a “Best offer” for $358. That marks a 97.5% decrease in “perceived” value.
Ironically, O’Neal launched his NFT collection, SHAQ Gives Back, a collection of 10,000 collectibles showcasing Shaq’s charity work in December 2021.
All proceeds from the sale of the collection’s NFTs go towards The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation. The foundation provides toys, clothing, meals, and opportunities for underprivileged youth.
Eminem
In January 2022, “Rap God” Eminem purchased Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) #9055 for $462,000, or 123.45 ETH.
#9055 was nicknamed “EminApe” for the NFT’s close resemblance to the rap icon.
BAYC #9055 is not for sale but has a “Best offer” for $83,153. This marks an 82% decrease in value.

Madonna
In March 2022, pop icon Madonna “was hellbent on getting an Ape [BAYC] and really specific about what I wanted: the Ape with a leather motorcycle cap on and multicolored teeth.”
She wanted #3756, specifically. However, she ended up purchasing BAYC #4988 for $466,000, or 180 ETH.
Following O’Neal & Eminem, Madonna has kept #4988 to herself. Still, the NFT has a “Best offer” for $77,400. This marks an 83% decrease in value.


