It’s the most in the league by some margin!
Shohei Ohtani’s contract structure means he won’t be baseball’s highest-paid player in 2025 – that title belongs to Juan Soto, who is set to earn nearly $128.9 million. However, Shohei Ohtani’s financial dominance extends far beyond his MLB salary, with his endorsement earnings putting him in a league of his own.
According to Bill Shaikin of Yahoo, it’s impossible to go anywhere in Tokyo without seeing Ohtani’s face.
“His picture is everywhere, in advertisements above street crossings and at the airport, on television and in magazines. He endorses shoes and skin care products, airlines and watches and so much more.”
Shohei Ohtani’s MLB Salary
Shohei Ohtani’s record-setting 10-year, $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers was signed before the 2024 season. That was before he went on to win both a World Series title and another MVP award.
Unlike typical MLB contracts, Ohtani’s deal is heavily deferred, ensuring he will receive payments long after his playing career ends. The Dodgers are deferring around $68 million of his $70 million annual salary, meaning his financial security extends decades into the future. So what is Shohei Ohtani’s primary source of income? Endorsements.
How Much Will Shohei Ohtani Earn From Endorsements in 2025?
Shohei Ohtani is projected to earn a staggering $100 million from sponsorships alone in 2025. That figure surpasses the payroll of seven different MLB teams and cements his status as the sport’s most marketable player.
Shohei Ohtani’s Top Endorsement Deals
According to Sportico, Shohei Ohtani is partnered with over a dozen brands across the globe. In North America, he has deals with major companies like New Balance, Beats, Fanatics/Topps, and Epic Games, among others. Internationally, he capitalizes on his immense popularity in Japan, working with brands such as Ito En, Kowa, Kose Cosmetics, and Seiko watches.
While Juan Soto recently signed MLB’s richest contract at $765 million, his endorsement earnings pale in comparison. Soto is expected to make just $7 million from sponsorships this season. Even Bryce Harper, one of the sport’s most recognizable names, is second to Ohtani in endorsements at just $10 million.
This disparity highlights an ongoing issue for Major League Baseball. The sport boasts plenty of star power, yet it struggles to market its players individually. Ohtani is the exception, not the rule, and his ability to transcend the sport only underscores how much work MLB still has to do in promoting its biggest names.
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