"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). The Dodgers star joins elite company as he became one of four athletes to ever reach $100 million in annual marketing revenue."
"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."
Shohei Ohtani emerged as a transcendent two-way player whose Dodgers tenure produced postseason appearances in each of his first two seasons and two World Series rings. The Dodgers signed Ohtani to a 10-year, $700 million contract ahead of 2024, valuing both on-field performance and global marketability. Ohtani generated an estimated $100 million in marketing revenue in 2025, surpassing top athletes such as LeBron James, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Rory McIlroy. He joined an elite group of athletes to reach $100 million in annual marketing revenue. MLB's potential lockout threatens to undermine baseball's commercial momentum around Ohtani and upcoming global events.
Read at Dodgers Nation
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