Shohei Ohtani Stars in New Dunlop Commercial, Continues to Dominate Both On and Off the Field
Shohei Ohtani is back in front of the camera - but this time, it’s not for a highlight reel. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way phenom is the face of a new commercial for Dunlop Tyres, spotlighting the company’s Synchro Weather tire.
The ad, produced by Japanese tire giant Sumitomo Rubber Industries, leans into the product’s “Active Tread” technology - a feature designed to adapt to changing road and weather conditions. Fitting, really, considering Ohtani’s own ability to adapt and dominate in just about every situation thrown his way.
This isn’t Ohtani’s first collaboration with Dunlop. He signed on with the company back in 2024, making his debut in a memorable commercial that featured a CGI version of Babe Ruth - a nod to the only other player in baseball history who’s even in the same conversation as Ohtani when it comes to two-way greatness.
But what sets Ohtani apart isn’t just what he does on the field - it’s how he’s turned his transcendent talent into a global brand. And the numbers speak for themselves.
According to Sportico, Ohtani pulled in an estimated $100 million from endorsements in 2025 alone. That’s more than LeBron James ($85 million), more than Lionel Messi ($70 million), and more than just about anyone else in the world of sports. In fact, only a handful of athletes - Stephen Curry, Roger Federer, and Tiger Woods - have ever hit that $100 million mark in a single year from sponsorships.
So how does Ohtani do it?
It starts with his unmatched skill set. There is simply no one in Major League Baseball who can do what he does.
He’s not just a novelty - he’s a legitimate MVP-caliber hitter and pitcher. He’s won four MVPs, four Silver Sluggers, an NLCS MVP, and has been selected to five All-Star Games.
He’s launched 50+ homers in back-to-back seasons and has posted an OPS over 1.000 in each of the last three. Those are video-game numbers, and they’re coming from a guy who also takes the mound every fifth day.
After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023, Ohtani returned to the mound in 2025 with the Dodgers and didn’t miss a beat. He made 14 starts, racking up 47 innings with a 2.87 ERA - a strong reminder that he’s still a force on both sides of the ball.
That kind of production - paired with a humble, relatable demeanor - makes him a marketer’s dream. He’s a superstar who transcends borders, with enormous appeal in both Japan and the United States. Whether it’s a tire commercial or a cleat deal, brands know that when Ohtani’s involved, the world is watching.
And while the off-field accolades keep piling up, Ohtani’s focus remains firmly on the diamond. As the Dodgers chase a historic three-peat in 2026, Ohtani will once again be at the center of it all - chasing more hardware, rewriting more records, and reminding us that we’re witnessing something truly generational.
Shohei Ohtani isn’t just a baseball player. He’s a global icon - and he’s just getting started.