After making historic signing in the offseason in Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers had an incredible 2024 season, which was capped off with a World Series championship.
Ohtani had one of the most successful seasons in MLB history from a player’s perspective, creating the 50-50 club en route to his third MVP Award. But the success Ohtani brought also applied off the field into the club’s financial side as well.
Ohtani’s unique contract has been much of the focus, but the sponsorship money he brought in proved to be a significant asset as well. Early in the year, the Dodgers were consistently agreeing to new partnerships with Japan-based companies, and according to Justin Birnbaum of Forbes, the Dodgers earned a total of $70 million from their new sponsorship revenue:
In 2024, the Dodgers added 12 Japanese-based partners and a total of $70 million in incremental sponsorship revenue thanks to the 30-year-old superstar, according to research firm SponsorUnited.
Prior to signing Ohtani, the Dodgers hired Lorenzo Sciarrino as their senior vice president of global partnerships. The role called for Sciarrino to lead the team’s global sponsorship department, supervising and engineering franchise partnerships with businesses domestically and internationally.
With Ohtani in the fold, Sciarrino’s job was surley made easier as numerous partnership deals were announced early in the year. This included deals with All Nippon Airways, Kinoshita Group, Tsukiji Gindaco, AFEELA, Yakult, THK, Kosé Corporation, Daiso, Kowa Company, Ltd., and Toyo Tires, among others.
With Ohtani’s deferrals in his contract and the increased revenue he brought in through sponsorship deals, the Dodgers were aggressive adding to their roster in both the previous offseason and current one.
Among the players added after Ohtani included Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell and Teoscar Hernández.
The Dodgers also announced significant renovations to Level One of Dodger Stadium this offseason, an area that includes the home clubhouse, as they continue to upgrade and modernize one of the most iconic ballparks in baseball.
The Dodgers have not stopped spending with Ohtani in the mix, and the financial benefits he brings in allows them to continue being aggressive trying to build a dynasty.
Shohei Ohtani progressing well from surgery
After the Dodgers won the World Series, Ohtani underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a labrum tear that was a byproduct of what the team initially deemed a left shoulder subluxation.
It has been nearly two months since the operation and Ohtani continues to make strides in his recovery. “He’s progressing well and continuing to check the boxes along the way,” Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said.
“He’s in a good place and we’ll keep seeing where he’s at as we get closer to Spring Training.”
Ohtani has started swinging a bat, but he has not hit off a tee or done any work facing pitching.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
