When the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Shohei Ohtani to a stunning $700 million ten-year contract, it stirred a significant buzz in the sporting world.
Can the city that never sleeps handle the addition of such a high-profile player? Will this contract result in an added number of national TV games for the Dodgers, given their already impressive 23 games televised nationally last year?
This team holds a distinctive position as a principal franchise in MLB’s legacy.
With their monumental shift from Brooklyn to dazzling LA, they’ve established a wide fan base that spans nationally and worldwide.
Alongside this, their consistent performance and persistent contention for the postseason set them apart.
After transitioning from the LA Angels, Ohtani joins the ranks of an already star-studded Dodgers ensemble.
including former MVP titleholders Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. Will this create a renewed and larger interest in the Dodgers games?
With Shohei Ohtani, how much more often will the Dodgers be on national TV? https://t.co/cKXhEvTnQd pic.twitter.com/mjXf4Qmrf1
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 10, 2023
In the previous season, the Dodgers already boasted an impressive 23 nationally televised games across platforms including Apple TV, ESPN, Fox, FS1, and TBS. Is this number set to increase with the addition of the Ohtani factor?
The Dodgers are also expected to tour to major sports cities such as Toronto. There’s a planned series against Juan Soto and the New York Yankees at The Bronx from June 7-9.
Two of these matches already have prime-time slots allocated but await confirmation on broadcasting details.
Considering the league and their associates will likely aspire to capitalize on Shohei Ohtani’s reputation and impressive form.
We can anticipate additional focus and broadcasting of Dodgers’ games. This, inevitably, can lead to a surge in their televised games for this upcoming season.
So, the question arises: will the signing of Shohei Ohtani by the Los Angeles Dodgers lead to an increase in their nationally televised games?
Based on several factors, including Ohtani’s popularity, potential new MLB scheduling, and the team’s continued success, we might see a significant increase from last year’s 23 games to nearly 30.
