Shohei Ohtani's signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers has led to a surge in ticket demand.
The Dodgers have taken the top spot among MLB teams on StubHub for the first time, having ranked eighth last season.
According to StubHub spokesperson Adam Budelli, "Ohtani's impact on the team is undeniable."
Searches for Dodgers tickets increased significantly following Ohtani's signing announcement, causing a tenfold increase in ticket demand.
The cost of reselling Dodgers home game tickets has increased by more than 10% in the past year, with prices moving from an average of $180 to $200.
The remarkable surge in demand for Dodgers tickets following Shohei Ohtani's signing has led to an astounding threefold increase in total ticket sales compared to the previous year. This substantial growth benefits not only the Los Angeles Dodgers but also contributes to a broader uptick in MLB ticket sales overall.
The demand for Dodgers tickets from international markets has reached unprecedented levels, with Japanese fans making up a substantial 22% of the total ticket buyers.
The highly anticipated Dodgers vs. Cardinals matchup on March 28 holds the distinction of having the most expensive average resale ticket price at $533 across all Major League Baseball (MLB) games listed on StubHub for the current season, marking a substantial hike compared to past seasons.
The recent influx of international demand for MLB tickets, coupled with the implementation of rules designed to expedite game length, has led to a remarkable 60% escalation in StubHub sales when compared to figures from the previous year.
Adam Budelli, StubHub's spokesperson, said "we're seeing the widest global representation among ticket buyers compared to any other season start. The appeal of watching Shohei Ohtani on his new team is especially strong, particularly among fans from his home country of Japan."
Sales are up league-wide on StubHub, as MLB's international popularity grows
Adam Budelli
The impact of Shohei Ohtani's signing on the Los Angeles Dodgers has extended beyond just ticket demand for their games. This phenomenon is reflected in the substantial growth seen in MLB attendance and overall ticket sales last season, which experienced a nearly 10% increase and reached their highest levels since 2017.
The International Landscape of MLB Ticket Sales
Japan: Japanese fans have solidified their position as a major force in the global MLB ticket market, accounting for an impressive 22% of all international buyers. The acquisition of Shohei Ohtani by the Los Angeles Dodgers has further fueled this trend, leading to a surge in demand and record-breaking sales.
United Kingdom: The UK market has also experienced a notable increase, with a 15% rise in international sales driven largely by the success of British players such as Liam Hendriks and Reiss Knehr.
Australia: The Australian market continues to show strong growth in MLB ticket sales, pulling in a 10% increase in international sales fueled by the popularity of local stars like Mitch Amaral and Aaron Nola.
Mexico: Mexico's passion for baseball is reflected in the growing demand for MLB tickets, exhibiting a 9% increase in international sales driven by the success of Mexican players such as Adrián González and Fernando Tatis Jr.
Taiwan: The Taiwanese market has emerged as a significant player in the global MLB ticket scene, accounting for a 7% share of all international buyers. This growth is a testament to the country's enduring love for baseball and its increasing interest in Major League Baseball.
Seen as a team positioned to win the World Series, the Dodgers have ignited a wave of excitement and heightened interest in Major League Baseball (MLB) games, as evidenced by the substantial surge in ticket sales for both the Dodgers and other teams.
