Shohei Ohtani is easily the most marketable player in baseball, a global superstar with appeal not only in the United States but in Japan as well. He’s no stranger to commercials, some of which you might see during games, like for New Balance, for instance, and many others.
The latest ad for Ohtani is from Beats by Dre, and he’s not alone. Also in the commercial for the Powerbeats Pro 2 are LeBron James and Lionel Messi.
Commercials aren’t the only endorsements Ohtani does. He’s seen on billboards and in print worldwide as well. He made a reported $40 million per season in endorsement income alone during 2023, his final season with the Angels, and that number grew to anywhere from $50 million to $65 million in his first year with the Dodgers.
Last July, Ken Rosenthal at The Athletic reported, “Ohtani since has emerged in an even stronger position, nearing $100 million annually in endorsements with the potential to exceed that figure, according to an industry source briefed on his earnings.”
With that type of income rolling in from off-field efforts, it adds more perspective to Ohtani deferring $68 million of his annual $70 million salary with the Dodgers.
“Getting to be a part of this campaign with LeBron James and Lionel Messi is really special,” Ohtani said in a press release. “Tapping in to your heart is important whether you’re an athlete on the biggest stage or just getting started and I’m excited to partner with Beats to help deliver that message.”