When the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Shohei Ohtani to a 10-year, $700 million contract in December 2023, many considered it an extravagant outlay even for one of baseball’s richest franchises. However, just one season later, the move has become a financial and sporting masterpiece.
According to various sources close to the team, the Dodgers have already recouped the entire amount of Ohtani’s contract thanks to combined revenues from tickets, commercial deals, international rights and merchandise sales. In just his first year, the Japanese star has generated an unprecedented economic impact in Major League Baseball (MLB).
The Ohtani commercial phenomenon
The so-called “Ohtani effect” has revolutionized the baseball business. Since his arrival in Los Angeles, the team has experienced a massive increase in attendance at Dodger Stadium, which posted record occupancy figures during the 2025 season. In addition, the Dodgers have signed new marketing deals with Japanese and global brands, capitalizing on the player’s international reach.
In Japan, the Dodgers’ television rights and broadcasts have boosted the league’s revenues. According to estimates by the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), sales of Ohtani’s jerseys, caps and official merchandise surpassed all previous records in a single campaign.“His impact on the global growth of baseball cannot be underestimated,” an MLB spokesperson said. “He is a sporting superstar and a global brand in his own right.”
More than a player: a global investment
Ohtani’s economic return comes not only from direct income, but also from strengthening the Dodgers’ brand internationally. The Los Angeles franchise has expanded its fan base in Asia and consolidated its position as the most valuable team in MLB, with a valuation in excess of $6 billion, according to Forbes.
His popularity has also opened up new opportunities for baseball as a global product. In Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, television audiences reached unprecedented levels during his appearances, and youth academies have reported an increase in enrollment of players inspired by the Ohtani phenomenon.
An impact that transcends the diamond
On the field, Shohei Ohtani continues to defy logic. His ability to pitch and hit at the highest level makes him a unique player in modern history, constantly compared to Babe Ruth. But off the field, he has shown that his true value goes beyond statistics: he has changed the economic model of professional baseball.
What seemed like the riskiest contract in history ended up being one of the most profitable. Ohtani is not only making history with his talent, but also with his impact on the global sports economy.
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