In 2025, Ohtani isn’t just rewriting baseball’s record books. He’s redefining what it means to be a global sports icon. Shohei Ohtani is expected to earn $102 million this year, but only $2 million of that will come from his actual MLB salary. The other $100 million? All from endorsements.
Why Shohei Ohtani’s salary is so low—and what it means
Ohtani signed a groundbreaking $700 million deal with the Dodgers, but its unique structure defers the vast majority of his salary. He’ll receive just $2 million annually during the 10-year contract, with $68 million per year kicking in after that.
This leaves room for the team’s payroll and allows Ohtani to fully capitalize on his market value right now through global brand deals.
The brands behind Ohtani’s $100M in endorsements
The two-way superstar has become a marketing juggernaut, racking up over 20 major endorsements. His partnerships span both American and Japanese companies, including New Balance, Beats by Dre, Seiko, and more.
Forbes ranks him among the highest off-field earners in sports history, alongside names like Tiger Woods and Roger Federer.
How the salary of Shohei Ohtani helps the Dodgers
In Los Angeles, Ohtani’s presence is everywhere—from billboards in Little Tokyo to commercials aired during prime time. He’s also the face of several local campaigns, cementing his position as a household name in Southern California.
His popularity shows no signs of slowing, especially as he headlines key games for the Dodgers and plays a major role in the team’s Japan initiatives.
What makes Ohtani’s earnings even more impressive is that he’s just getting started. At only 30, he will continue dominating both on the mound and in the global marketplace.
His unique blend of elite talent, charisma, and international appeal has created a perfect storm for brand success—one that the Dodgers and Los Angeles get to call their own.