Six months ago, the Los Angeles Dodgers opened the 2024 Major League Baseball season in Seoul, South Korea, against the San Diego Padres, marking a significant milestone in MLB’s international expansion efforts. This series was part of the MLB World Tour, a broader initiative to bring America’s pastime to global audiences in Asia and around the world.
The Seoul Series, which took place on March 20-21, 2024, at the Gocheok Sky Dome, was the first official MLB regular-season game held in South Korea. The event was a resounding success, with both games selling out quickly, partly due to the immense popularity of Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani and Padres infielder Ha-Seong Kim.
Popularity and Economic Impact
The Seoul Series in 2024 generated substantial economic value for South Korea. The estimated financial impact reached approximately $210 million, including revenue from ticket sales, merchandise, tourism, and related industries. This significant figure underscores the potential of international MLB games to boost local economies and create unique cultural exchanges.
The widespread economic impact was evident throughout Seoul. MLB merchandise stores experienced high demand, with some selling out of Ohtani-related items. The popularity of players like Ohtani and Kim drove ticket sales and sparked a merchandise frenzy, with fans eager to own a piece of this historic event.
The sports betting market in South Korea, particularly baseball, has seen significant growth in recent years. This series has been a major draw for bettors, attracting diverse participants. Baseball wagering on sites like OnlineCasino.co.kr reported all-time wagering highs, surpassing the average KBO League games betting volume and contributing significantly to the growth of sports betting in the country.
The Fairmont Ambassador Seoul hotel, where the Dodgers players stayed, was fully booked during the series, with reservations more than doubling compared to the previous year. This surge in hotel bookings highlighted the series’ impact on the local tourism industry, as fans from around the region, Japan, and the USA flocked to Seoul for the games.
The Seoul Series’ success was not limited to economic metrics. The games received extensive media coverage, both in South Korea and internationally.
Past International Games
MLB has a rich history of playing games outside the United States and Canada. The league’s international journey began in 1996 when the New York Mets and San Diego Padres played a three-game series in Monterrey, Mexico. Since then, MLB has expanded its global footprint significantly.
Over the years, MLB has held regular-season games in several countries, each contributing to the sport’s growing international appeal. Mexico has been a frequent host, with multiple games played in Monterrey and Mexico City beyond the initial 1996 series. The enthusiasm of Mexican baseball fans has made these events consistently successful, showcasing the country’s deep love for the sport.
Japan has been another destination for MLB’s international efforts. Tokyo first hosted regular-season games in 2000 featuring the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs. The success of these games paved the way for subsequent series in Japan, capitalizing on the country’s strong baseball culture and the growing number of Japanese players in MLB.
Puerto Rico joined the list of international hosts in 2001 when San Juan welcomed the Texas Rangers and Toronto Blue Jays for the season opener. This event highlighted MLB’s commitment to expanding its reach within the Caribbean, a region known for producing exceptional baseball talent.
In a bold move to bring baseball to new frontiers, MLB ventured to Australia in 2014. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks played a two-game series at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, introducing the sport to a new audience and showcasing baseball’s adaptability to different cultural contexts.
The United Kingdom became part of MLB’s international circuit in 2019 when London hosted its first games. The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, two of the league’s most storied franchises, faced off in a series that captured the imagination of British sports fans and demonstrated baseball’s potential in Europe.
Future International Plans
Building on the success of the Seoul Series and previous international games, MLB announced that the 2025 season would open in Tokyo, Japan, with the Los Angeles Dodgers facing the Chicago Cubs. This decision underscores the league’s commitment to international expansion and cultivating its global fan base.
The Tokyo Series, scheduled for March 18-19, 2025, at the Tokyo Dome, will mark the sixth time MLB has opened its regular season in Japan. It will also commemorate the 25th anniversary of the first regular-season games played in Japan in 2000 between the Cubs and the New York Mets. This return to Japan reflects the enduring strength of the baseball relationship between Japan and MLB and the league’s recognition of the importance of the Asian market.
The selection of the Dodgers and Cubs for the 2025 Tokyo Series was strategic, as both teams feature prominent Japanese talent. Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Dodgers, Seiya Suzuki, and Shota Imanaga of the Cubs are expected to be significant draws for Japanese fans. This focus on showcasing international talent in their home countries has become essential to MLB’s global strategy.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the international games have been largely successful, MLB faces challenges in its global expansion efforts. Time zone differences can make it difficult for fans in North America to watch live games played in Asia or Europe. Additionally, the travel demands on players and teams can be significant, potentially affecting performance and scheduling.
However, these challenges are outweighed by the opportunities presented by international games. They allow MLB to tap into new markets, increase its global fan base, and potentially discover new sources of talent. The games also provide unique experiences for players, many of who relish the chance to represent their sport on a global stage.
As MLB continues to explore ways to grow the game globally, the success of the Seoul Series and the anticipation surrounding the upcoming Tokyo Series serve as solid indicators of baseball’s enduring appeal and potential for further international growth. The league’s efforts to bring games to diverse locations worldwide provide unique experiences for fans and create valuable marketing opportunities in key global markets.
The international games have become more than just exhibition matches; they are now an integral part of MLB’s strategy to position itself as a truly global sport. By showcasing the best talent from around the world and bringing the excitement of Major League Baseball to new audiences, MLB is laying the groundwork for a future where baseball’s appeal knows no borders.
As the sport continues to evolve and adapt to changing global dynamics, these international series will likely play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of baseball. They represent an expansion of MLB’s reach and a celebration of the sport’s universal appeal and power to unite fans across cultures and continents.