The Los Angeles Dodgershave spent years building an image that goes beyond baseball: a powerful, modern and socially committed franchise. However, in the past year, that narrative is beginning to crack. Not because of what happens on the field, but because of what is promised off it… and not quite delivered.
The most recent case puts the club back in the spotlight: the abysmal difference between the $100 million promised to help victims of the Los Angeles wildfires and the $7.8 million actually delivered by the family foundation of Mark Walter, the team’s principal owner.
Mark Walter and a promise that sounds exaggerated today
In January 2025, after devastating wildfires that swept through entire communities – with thousands of structures destroyed and dozens of fatalities – Governor Gavin Newsom launched the LA Rises initiative from Dodger Stadium. The setting was no coincidence: it symbolized private leadership, unity and immediate action.
That day there was talk of an “initial commitment” of up to $100 million from Walter, his foundation and the Dodgers Foundation. A year later, the reality is much more modest.
According to journalist Bill Shaikin, LA Rises has only distributed $20 million, a figure that pales in comparison to the magnitude of the disaster and the economic power involved.
The gap between social marketing and real impact
This is not a discussion about whether donating $7.8 million is little in absolute terms. The problem is the distance between what was announced and what was executed.
In a city hit by tragedy, inflated promises work as headlines… but they also generate expectations that, when not met, erode trust.
Critics are not only targeting the Dodgers, but the entire Los Angeles sports ecosystem, where 12 teams pledged just $8 million together, a tiny figure compared to their multi-billion dollar valuations.
What is known about the conflict
- Public pledge: up to $100 million for LA Rises
- Money delivered to date: $20 million
- Contribution from Walter’s foundation: $7.8 million
- Palisades Fire: 6,837 structures destroyed and 12 dead
- Criticism focused on the slowness and actual scope of aid
In parallel, the Dodgers accepted the invitation to the White House after winning the World Series. A traditional decision, yes, but one that comes at a sensitive time. For some fans, the contrast is stark: institutional celebrations while community promises remain in limbo.
The leadership insists on separating baseball from politics. The problem is that today, for many fans, that separation no longer exists.
Winning is not enough for the Dodgers
The Dodgers remain a sporting powerhouse, but modern baseball demands more than just titles: consistency.
When a franchise promises to lead the rebuilding of its city, the symbolic gesture is not enough. In these cases, credibility is not measured in championships, but in checks delivered.
Read the full article here
