Shohei Ohtani News: SI Snubs Dodgers Star On ’50 Most Influential’ List

Influence is one of those things that’s hard to pin down, but you definitely know it when you feel it. And in sports, it goes way beyond just winning games.

The world of sports is shaped by a diverse range of power players — whether they’re dealmakers, cultural icons, or leaders. Some of them are athletes who are not only breaking records but also redefining what it means to succeed, making a lasting impact both on and off the field.

Then, there are legendary coaches and Hall of Famers, steadily building their legacies over time.

But it’s not just about those on the field.

The sports landscape is also heavily influenced by social media stars, trendsetters, and opinion leaders. These are the people who shape style, steer conversations, and command massive followings. Let’s not forget the business titans who approach negotiations with the same intensity and strategy as any top athlete in competition.

Power and influence are always evolving, but as of 2024, Sports Illustrated has compiled a list of the 50 most influential individuals and forces in sports. Notably, one Los Angeles Dodgers player was left off the list.

All of the things mentioned above define Ohtani. He is shattering records and bringing an international audience to Major League Baseball resulting in a plethora of new sponsors for the Dodgers and the league.

The only person to make the list from the Dodgers is chairman Mark Walter.

“Everyday life is likely not slow for those with an estimated net worth of $6 billion, but that has been especially true for the Dodgers’ owner in the past year or so,” writes Sports Illustrated’s Kristen Nelson. “Walter, who took over the franchise in 2012, scored another prize last December when he signed Shohei Ohtani to a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract.

“Walter already had a background in women’s sports as part owner of the Los Angeles Sparks and both Chelsea FC and its women’s club, and last year he established the Professional Women’s Hockey League.

“Others had tried and failed at this before, but the PWHL’s first season was a resounding success, setting women’s hockey attendance records. With deep-pocketed owners and a solid business structure, women’s pro hockey has its best chance yet to succeed.”

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

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