70 Million People Watched Shohei Ohtani's First Dodgers Press Conference
The Los Angeles Dodgers introduced two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani on Thursday, turning a free agent press conference into an international viewing event. This moment had been a long time coming, and it was special for all involved.
The press conference was held at Dodger Stadium, and it was unlike anything ever seen before. It was filled to the brim with media members and had global attention directly on it. Ohtani had not spoken to the media since August, so it was roundly anticipated on two continents.
He provided insight into why he picked the Dodgers in free agency and his goals for the upcoming season.
The introductory press conference for Ohtani drew in 70 million viewers – more than the entirety of the 2023 World Series between the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks.
This, my friends, is the Shohei Ohtani effect. He is the biggest draw in sports right now, and the Dodgers are very happy to have him on their roster.
Getting Ohtani for his off-the-field marketability was as much a part of the Dodgers' determination to land him as what he brings them on the field. The viewership of his Q-and-A is evidence of his global superstardom.
This is what the Dodgers are expecting for the duration of Ohtani's 10-year contract. He is the rare baseball player who is his own brand. Combining that with the brand of the Dodgers leads to record numbers.
Major League Baseball is extremely thrilled that Ohtani landed in Los Angeles, too. For a league with global ambitions, the second-largest media market in the U.S. is an ideal stage for Ohtani's talents. With no disrespect to what 29 other teams can accomplish on the field, having the biggest star in Hollywood is huge from a marketing point of view.
There are other signs Ohtani has broken through in terms of cultural awareness. In the 48 hours after his jersey sales went live, Ohtani broke an all-time record with Fanatics. He may be the biggest star in all of sports, and he is now a member of your Los Angeles Dodgers.
