Shohei Ohtani signed the richest contract in North American pro sports history this past offseason, earning $700 million for his 10-year deal with the Dodgers.
What that contract figure does not include is all the endorsement money that Ohtani makes as one of the most famous athletes on the planet.
It's not easy to court a megastar like Ohtani away from other brands, but New Balance was ahead of the curve in landing the two-way phenom on an apparel and footwear deal in 2023.
Ohtani has repped the brand ever since, earning his own logo with several other benefits sure to be on the way.
For more on Ohtani's contract with New Balance, The Sporting News has you covered below.
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Shohei Ohtani's New Balance contract, explained
In January 2023, New Balance announced it signed Ohtani to an apparel and shoe deal.
Ohtani addressed the partnership in a press release, stating, "New Balance is a global brand that is known for having incredible product innovation but also for being an authentic brand who allows their athletes to be themselves. I am excited to join with them to change the game."
New Balance also released a new Ohtani advertisement in line with the announcement of his personal logo, too.
Shohei Ohtani Signature New Balance Logo ⚾️ pic.twitter.com/FEFkqi0p5M
— KicksFinder (@KicksFinder) March 19, 2024
Since then, Ohtani has been featured prominently in several New Balance ads. He was the face of their "We Got Now" campaign back in April...
We Got Now. 2024.
— New Balance (@newbalance) April 17, 2024
Shohei Ohtani. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. Coco Gauff. Jamal Murray. Tyrese Maxey. Cameron Brink. Bukayo Saka. pic.twitter.com/5SFpAPBJIM
...and the brand crafted up a unique advertisement for his historic 50-50 season with the Dodgers this year.
The 50/50 Club welcomes its first member, Shohei Ohtani. pic.twitter.com/hiKkIVadvQ
— New Balance (@newbalance) September 20, 2024
How much is Shohei Ohtani's New Balance contract worth?
The figures of Ohtani's contract with New Balance were never released to the public. New Balance only mentioned that it was a "long-term" deal in its press release.
Does Shohei Ohtani have a signature shoe with New Balance?
Not yet, but it's safe to assume Ohtani has a signature shoe on the way.
For example, Mets star shortstop and 2024 NL MVP candidate Francisco Lindor is also a New Balance athlete and he has a signature line that includes both on-field cleats and off-field trainers.
The brand did release a limited-edition New Balance 574 cleat with Ohtani as the face of the rollout, though.
New Balance just announced a long-term deal with Shohei Ohtani. ⚾
— Sneaker News (@SneakerNews) January 31, 2023
To commemorate the partnership, New Balance will launch the 574 Cleat, the first time the lifestyle shoe has been made for the baseball diamond. pic.twitter.com/hQr42Aunff