"Ohtani joined the Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry, tennis star Roger Federer and golf icon Tiger Woods as the only athletes ever to hit $100 million in annual marketing revenue, according to Sportico. In Ohtani, whose face appears on everything from airplanes to skin care products, baseball at long last has its Michael Jordan: the superstar that has transcended sports and ascended to the status of global pop culture icon."
"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. 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."
Shohei Ohtani earned an estimated $100 million in marketing revenue in 2025, making him the top athlete in endorsements that year. LeBron James ranked second with $85 million, followed by Lionel Messi ($70 million), Cristiano Ronaldo ($60 million) and Rory McIlroy ($55 million). Ohtani joined Stephen Curry, Roger Federer and Tiger Woods as the only athletes to reach $100 million in annual marketing revenue. Ohtani's image appears on airplanes and skin care products, elevating his status beyond baseball into global pop culture. Recent baseball events include a record-viewership World Series and an upcoming World Baseball Classic led by Japan and Ohtani. The sport faces uncertainty as its collective bargaining agreement expires in 11 months, risking a potential lockout and the 2027 season.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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