Shohei Ohtani’s Earnings Soar: Dodgers Star Becomes Highest-Paid Athlete

Already considered by many to be the best baseball player in history, Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers is also one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.

Record-Breaking Earnings Projected for 2026

The 31-year-classic Ohtani is expected to earn $125 million in 2026 through sponsorships and merchandise, building on his $100 million earnings in 2025. This surpasses previous records held by Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, and Stephen Curry, who each reached the $100 million mark only once.

Unique Contract Structure with the Dodgers

Ohtani’s earnings structure is unique due to his 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers, signed in 2023. The contract defers $680 million in salary until 2034, at which point he will receive $68 million annually for 10 years. He will “only” receive $2 million in player salary from the Dodgers in 2026, placing him 17th among MLB players in salary.

With the Dodgers, his $2 million salary in 2026 places him only 17^e rank of players.

Advertising Revenue and Comparisons to Michael Jordan

Ohtani has approximately twenty partner brands contributing to his substantial income. Looking beyond current athletes, Sporty notes that Michael Jordan would remain the king of advertising contracts if retired athletes were included, with estimated earnings of $300 million in 2024, largely from royalties from Nike’s Jordan brand, which generated $7 billion in revenue in its last fiscal year.

Ohtani’s Career Highlights

Shohei Ohtani has established himself as a dominant force in both hitting and pitching. Through the 2025 season, he has a career batting average of .282 with 280 home runs and 669 RBIs. On the mound, he boasts a 39-20 record with a 3.00 ERA and 670 strikeouts. He is a 5-time MLB All-Star and a 4-time MVP award winner.

Ohtani’s continued success on and off the field solidifies his position as a global sports icon and a marketing powerhouse.