Basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal is facing a court battle over his new "Shaq Vs." sports show - an author has accused entertainment bosses of stealing his idea.

The iconic athlete is gearing up to launch his latest project, in which he will take on his rival sporting peers at their own game.

He has set up a swimming battle against Olympic athlete Michael Phelps, a boxing bout against former world champion Oscar De La Hoya and a tennis game with Serena Williams.

But the show is in jeopardy following allegations from author Todd Gallagher, who claims bosses at his talent agency, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, agreed to turn his book, "Andy Roddick Beat Me with a Frying Pan," into a TV show last year.

Gallagher alleges he was then cut out of the project which went ahead with another William Morris client - O'Neal.

The writer's legal team have written to executives at William Morris claiming they "intentionally cut him out... creatively and financially" and are requesting a meeting for a possible settlement discussion, according to TMZ.com.

The website reports that Gallagher's lawyers have threatened to file a lawsuit if the meeting doesn't happen before O'Neal's show is aired tonight on ABC.

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)