In the world of sports, some athletes go beyond their games, grabbing global attention and redefining excellence. Imagine a star whose effect is so profound that industry leaders draw parallels to legends from whole different arenas. Such comparisons aren’t made faintly. And they often alert a pivotal shift in how a game is perceived internationally. Recently, the sports community has been thriving with discussions regarding a baseball sensation whose effect is being likened to that of a 1990s basketball icon. Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way superstar, has been creating headlines. Not just for his on-field prowess but also for his transformative influence on baseball’s international appeal.
Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin drew a striking comparison between Ohtani and basketball legend Michael Jordan, emphasizing on Ohtani’s unparalleled influence. Rubin highlighted, “Just how popular the Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way player is, though, might surprise you.” According to of Michael Rubin, the CEO of Fanatics, as far as worldwide recognition goes, Ohtani is “doing as much for baseball as Michael Jordan did for basketball in the 90s”.
Shohei Ohtani‘s 2024 season figures underscore this acclaim. He made history by becoming the first talent to hit over 50 home runs and steal over 50 bases in a single season, ending with 54 homers and 59 steals. This exceptional feat led to his unanimous selection as the National League’s Most Valuable Player, marking his third MVP award and his first in the National League.
Beyond his robust achievements, Ohtani’s marketability has taken flight. His jersey sales have topped the charts and his presence has significantly boosted the Dodgers‘ worldwide following. Rubin emphasized this phenomenon, stating, “If you think about what Ohtani is doing globally — we all have a little bit of an American bias — his country is so proud of him. He added, “When I see the numbers, what he’s doing for the business. He’s a unicorn, he’s truly one of a kind…We work with 5,000 athletes individually at Fanatics, we work with just about every sport, every team globally, and he’s one of a kind.”
The comparison to Michael Jordan conveys real weight because we’ve seen what celebrities can do at that level. Jordan didn’t just win six NBA championships, five MVPs, and ten scoring titles—he turned the NBA into a universal empire. During the 1990s, NBA viewership skyrocketed internationally. Broadcasters in over 200 countries secured deals, thanks in large part to Jordan’s salability. His 1992 Dream Team performance at the Barcelona Olympics alone opened the floodgates for international fandom.
That same kind of global shift is what Shohei Ohtani is navigating baseball toward. Just as Jordan’s “His Airness” brand made basketball a must-watch in every corner of the world, Ohtani’s “unicorn” status—governing as both hitter and pitcher—is redrafting the playbook for worldwide baseball stardom. And mind you, it’s not just related to playing the game. It is related to converting the way the world perceives it.
When legends transcend the game
It’s not just about numbers and championship rings—it’s about presence. Some athletes emerge at just the right moment, when their influence extends far beyond the field or court. Think Serena Williams redefining tennis’s cultural space or Tiger Woods altering the face of golf forever. These figures aren’t just winners—they’re identity shifters. They transform the way marketers promote the game, the way fans engage with it, and the way future stars perceive it. Their rise often brings their sport with them, dragging it into the mainstream or even the global limelight.
And importantly, this interaction is not just poetic—it is quantifiable. For instance, after Tiger’s breakthrough in 1997, golf saw a 20% spike in viewership within a year. Similarly, Serena’s dominance fueled a surge in youth tennis participation—particularly among young girls and athletes of color. Ultimately, these aren’t just isolated success tales; they’re case studies of how a single player can carry an entire league’s brand on their shoulders. When one individual becomes the face of a movement, the ripple effects can reshape the sport’s worldwide standing. This is what we’re witnessing today in baseball and beyond.
Shohei Ohtani’s rise isn’t just a baseball story—it’s an international sports moment. When names like Michael Jordan enter the chat, it’s evident we’re witnessing something rare. As fans, we are lucky to be observing history in real-time. Keep an eye on this journey—it is far from over.
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