Ohtani Shohei (Angels) walks the money road wearing new shoes.
New Balance, a sponsor of basketball players rather than baseball, signed a long-term contract with Ohtani. New Balance announced a sponsorship agreement with Ohtani and at the same time unveiled a limited edition of Ohtani’s signature product ‘574’.
“As I continue my journey in baseball, I am delighted to be part of the New Balance family,” said Ohtani. New Balance is a global brand known for innovative products, and a brand that helps athletes become themselves. Baseball with them I am happy to be able to change.”
Axios, an American media, reported this news and said, “Ohtani’s global charm has made him the most marketable star in major league history.” “Sponsor United said Ohtani had 17 sponsors last year. ) set a new record for the most in a single season, exceeding 13.”
According to Sponsor United’s announcement, Ohtani acted as a cover model for the major league game ‘The Show 22’, and also served as a cover model for magazines GQ, Time, and Sports Illustrated.
In addition, Ohtani earned an additional $20 million in income excluding taxes and commissions from 17 sponsor contracts, including Hugo Boss (men’s clothing), Fanatics (sports goods), and Oakley (sunglasses). According to Forbes, this is more than three times more than Bryce Harper (Philadelphia, $6.5 million), who came second in the category.스포츠토토
The Ohtani effect also carried over to the Angels. Angel Stadium hung advertisements for 22 Japanese companies last year. It was more than any other team with Japanese major leaguers. 스포츠토토
Axios wrote, however, that these numbers pale in comparison to Ohtani’s projected free agent contract. “Some believe Ohtani could land the first $500 million contract in major league history,” Axios wrote.
Ohtani got another chance to promote himself to the world at the World Baseball Classic (WBC) next month. The Major League Secretariat also relied on Ohtani’s star quality by introducing the ‘Ohtani Rule (a rule that if a starting pitcher enters the at bat, he can remain in the lineup as a designated hitter even after the pitcher goes off the plate)’ to the WBC.