Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani is unequivocally one of the best players in the history of baseball.
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While the two-way star was always a wonder since he was a member of the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani’s career reached new heights with the Dodgers as he’s competed in the postseason in each of his first two seasons in LA and has two World Series rings to show for it.
The Dodgers handed Ohtani a 10-year, $700 million deal without blinking ahead of the 2024 season. The organization understood Ohtani’s value is far beyond the diamond as he’s also proving to be the most marketable athlete in the world.
Ohtani was the athlete that made the most money from sponsorships and endorsements in 2025. According to Sportico, the Dodgers superstar made an estimated $100 million in marketing revenue.
Ohtani’s sponsorship earnings put him above Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James ($85 million), soccer stars Lionel Messi ($70 million) and Cristiano Ronaldo ($60 million), and golfer Rory McIlroy ($55 million).
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The Dodgers star joins elite company as he became one of four athletes to ever reach $100 million in annual marketing revenue. The others on the list include Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry, tennis icon Roger Federer, golf legend Tiger Woods and mixed martial arts star Connor McGregor.
Ohtani’s marketing success is a huge win for baseball; however, Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times argues the sport’s momentum shouldered by the Dodgers superstar could come to a screeching halt because of MLB’s potential lockout.
“Two months ago, a dramatic World Series captured record numbers of viewers around the world. Two months from now, the World Baseball Classic takes center stage — led by Ohtani and the defending champions from Japan,” Shaikin writes.
“However, 11 months from now, baseball’s collective bargaining agreement expires. If owners lock out players in pursuit of a salary cap or other salary restrictions, the 2027 season would be at risk, and the face of sport could disappear along with some or all of the season schedule.”
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Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
