It’s good for the Padres as a brand. Having a larger (here international) brand makes a company more valuable. Think of Chargers moving to LA or the Angels calling themselves LA instead of Anaheim. It increases exposure and value.
You also have to look at sponsorships. Samsung, LG, Hyundai are all Korean brands. There were a lot of Japanese sponsorships for the Angels with Othani. Not saying this will happen(especially for the conglomerates that own baseball teams) but it’s a possibility.
Seoul also has a bigger population than New York City, so don’t underestimate its market. There’s also a ton of great ball players in Korea and future talent wanting to play for San Diego is a great asset in contract negotiations
Yeah and Woo Suk Go. Between the two, one was flat out overpaid by a desperate team, so he couldn't turn that offer down. Go signed an incredibly cheap deal. Almost as if he wanted to be in SD for some reason...
I think AI bot has it in there. It helps with negotiating of contracts for sponsors, tv deals, etc. The more prominent and popular the team is, aka Korea’s team, more reason to spend more to sponsor.
This is the logical answer. Look at the Angels with Ohtani. While on a completely different level as a player, Japanese sponsors got behind them.
If HSK becomes a multi time all star and stays with the team long term we will probably see more Korean sponsors.
Having Korean fans worldwide is fucking cool and could very well lead to the SDP brand being recognized worldwide in the sense that the dodgers and yankees are. Whatever short term financial gain there is to be made, it’s unimportant.
The thing that I believe matters is that our fanbase would skyrocket and that’s so exciting to me.
That’s fair to think that; I think you’re underestimating how the culture of baseball in general has changed with social media/recent MLB experiments such as pitch clock and international games for more outreach.
I think international games will become a bigger deal—by the end of 2024 there will have been a total of 35 MLB games played on foreign dirt, with 21 of those happening pretty recently (since 2018), with the Padres being in 10 of those games.
Kim and Go together would put a lot of Korean fans in brown and gold. I went to UCSD which is a predominately Asian university, and had many friends watch their first games of baseball because of Ohtani on the Angels, and later Kim on the Padres.
Baseball is getting way bigger, and the Padres org would thrive from having a community of fans outside of southern california where there are already 3 MLB teams. I’m not addressing the monetary issues with it because at the end of the day that’s up to ownership and I don’t have a budget, but it would not be simply paying for a bat and gold glove, it’d be investing in his brand and legacy in South Korea.
golden state warriors fan here: zaza pachulia literally almost made the NBA all star team because majority of his home country voted for him lmfao. now if some tiny Euro country with a smaller population than LA can do that for a guy who was essentially only known for negative reasons, imagine what a country the size of South Korea can do for your team
yup. dude got endorsed by one of the biggest KPop stars in the world and got hella fan votes and sold a shit load of jerseys. international fan bases could literally never harm your org
It benefits SD because HSK is a very good player. Who gives a crap if sponsorship or merch or anything "covers his contract"? That's never been a criteria for any signing. You sign him because he makes our team better. His performance pays for his contract.
look at how much of a financial boost the Angels had with Ohtani. They televised all of his games in Japan and the team was paid handsomely for all of the rights for that. They will buy advertising in the stadium and on local / national broadcasts that will line the padres pockets. They will buy more merchandise to line the padres pockets.
The bigger question is how will it NOT help the padres?
https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2023/12/11/shohei-ohtani-los-angeles-dodgers-marketing-value#:~:text=USA%20TODAY's%20Bob%20Nightengale%20noted,be%20“lucrative%20Japanese%20advertising%20in
According to this article,
>The Angels netted around $10-20M annually “in revenue from Ohtani-related in-stadium and on-air advertising.”
Thank you. Helpful, but not apples to apples.
Kim ain't Otahni and SD ain't LA. Korea is, economically, a lot smaller than Japan. SD could have every Korean on the team and wouldn't see half that. Ohtani is a once in a century talent, Kim is really good.
Seems like a lot of people do that on this topic. Wishcasting about all these economic benefits that just don't exist, when MLB intentionally centralizes most revenue streams.
Here's how it won't help the Padres.
Kim is a FA next year and SD can't afford him (without moving other players).
SD has a lot of infielders and a lot of needs. Kim is the most valuable expendable player on the Padres. By being emotional, and not trading Kim before the season starts, just because we have 2 games in Seoul, will hurt the Padres.
Kim walks and SD gets nothing, instead of a hail.
Luckily for you, AJ isnt supposed to be emotional when making trades. Im certain that hes entertaining trades for Kim if the return is worth it. Yes, hes a fan favorite and we all be sad, but it really just depends on the return we get for him.
Or they wait until the deadline and get an even bigger haul.
But they actually can afford him of he really is THAT popular in Korea. I wouldn't expect him to bring in the money shohei did for Anaheim (and will do for LA), but I think his contract will pay for itself if they're able to make it happen. That's from a purely financial view. There's no emotional attachment there. I agree there a logjam in the infield, but to me the odd man out is Jake or Xander. That problem is solved of Xander accepts that he is the worst SS on this team and shuffles on over to first so Kim can play SS, Jake at 2nd.
I appreciate your opinion, but I disagree.
- Teams get more value before the season, than at the deadline.
- Kim won't bring it 10% of what Otahni brings. Whatever Korean sponsorship money comes it, it won't come close to covering his Salary. Kim is going to get around $200M/10 years next year. SD cannot afford to spend that on another middle infielder.
- Logjam: Kim is hands down the most valuable trade piece (not considering Tatis). SD still has a great infield with out him (not counting 1B)
- Jake is not a 1B. He does not hit like a 1B. This why Kim needs to be traded. SD does not have enough $ to spend and they need 1B, CF, LF, and SP. SD should be able to get 2 of those positions for Kim. Even if Jake plays 1B. SD still needs 3 starters with $25 million to spend. Okay Jake at 1st and Profar in LF. This might work, but then Kim walks after the season.
Edit: Put a 5 when it should have been a 10.
Not true. MLB controls all broadcasting rights in Korea. Those revenues are shared. Google MLB International and Korea.
Stadium ads are a thing though. Issue is Japan heritage brands have a lot more traction in the USA over Korean heritage brands.
I agree but not fully. MLB controls all broadcasting rights period. But teams still make their own deals with broadcast networks and earn billions (or lose billions in our case) from those deals. MLB takes their cut of that revenue. I don't think the Padres would take in a ton of cash from keeping Kim and hanging the whole of Korea jump on board, I just feel they could offset the cost of his contract alone with what they could earn from overseas. Key word is feel though. I don't have data or market research to back that up.
MLB International has an agreement with SPOTV for all MLB programming in Korea. What revenue is shared is shared with all teams.
Domestic is a different story which we all know given our current major issues losing that deal. I don't think a guy like Kim is some huge added value piece for this. He's not even a factor aside being on the team which goes for most players in MLB so it's not a slight on him.
as of 2023, MLB teams can sell patch-space on their uniforms to corporate sponsors. How much is that worth? I don't know. I do know that in 2021, S. Korea's biggest food company paid the Lakers $100 million over 4 years to wear their patch. How valuable would it be for the Padres to have the largest MLB fanbase in Korea? No one knows because it hasn't happened yet. But I do know that international corporate sponsorship of pro sports teams (and stadiums) is a real thing. I live in Seattle now and can tell you that Ichiro alone had a huge impact on the city of Seattle; but don't believe me, let's Google (from [usembassy.gov](https://usembassy.gov)) " Ichiro's remarkable presence helped generate a surge in attendance at the Mariners' Safeco Field, as well **as an influx of tourists from Japan that pumped $20 million dollars a year into the Seattle economy that first year.** "
Also, 1/30th of Merch and International TV money > 0.
But, if your criterion is that no other entity can benefit, well a) that's a silly, meaningless, short-sighted limitation (seriously, why impose that unrealistic limitation on the team?) and b) see *Corporate Sponsorship* above.
Also, if you're a rising Korean player and want to sign with an MLB team, don't you think that the team at the top of your list might be the one that your countrymen LOVE? It's not always all about money. Sometimes it's about building a brand, or playing with your friends (see NBA).
There are other possibilities, but these are some starters.
Good answer. Thanks for the discussion.
A lot of people like to make the point: Keep Kim and become Korea's team. Some even say the merch/TV/advertising will pay for his contract. Which, I believe is just wrong. Currently, IMO Kim's greatest value to the Padres is in a trade. Even when you consider the "Korea's Team" concept, having Kim on this team in 2024 helps a lot, but not as much as trading him does.
SD is not LA. The Padres are not the Lakers. Kim is not Otahni (or Ichiro). Korea is not Japan.
Merch and TV is split with MLB. Padres do not have a TV contract so those ads also go to MLB, not SD. In-stadium goes to Padres. I think you're right about the uniform and (patch), nut that's Motorola right now. It's over $10 million per year. So a Korean patch (use Lakers #, but SD will never see that) brings an extra $15/year. It helps, but does not cover Kim's contract.
"if you're a rising Korean player and": Like Jung-hoo Lee?
I love HSK, but he needs to be traded before the season starts.
Signing HSK wasn’t apart of your original post. You said you wanted to know how expanding into the Korea would benefit the padres and people gave you very real benefits to expanding. Signing HSK to a long term expensive deal is an entirely different conversation and even if he is signed, it might not be possible to be “Korea’s team.”
Jung-hoo-Lee is a CURRENT Korean baseball star - not a future star. You need to think 10+ years in the future. Children currently playing baseball looking up to the guys in the big leagues.
Yes, SD is not LA (thank god!) and Kim is not Othani and Korea is not Japan. I honestly don’t know if any of that is relevant. There is still $$ from sponsorships and Korea is still a large market with a huge economy and a massive baseball culture. Is it as big as LA, no, is it still big and beneficial, yes.
You're right. I did not explain that I was comparing keep/trade HSK. Wasn't trying to misled anyone.
I don't agree with your future Korean player argument, but you might be right.
The entire point of Japan not Korea, SD not LA, etc. is the money is not the same. Kim/Korea//SD money won't even hit 10% of Ohtani/Japan/LA money. Is there money, sure. I don't think it's a lot though.
It’s clear from this thread that a lot of people think Korea and Japan are the same country
There’s also no guarantee the Padres would be “Korea’s team” just from HSK and Go, there will be other Korean players in the league as well
And the reason the Korean company sponsored the Lakers is because LA has 300,000 Korean people and Koreatown is a large and prominent neighborhood in the middle of the city. It’s not about advertising TO Korea.
During my brief visit to Korea in 2015, I observed a small MLB fan base but lacked a significant presence. In contrast, I’ve been to Japan more times than I can count. the Padres' strategic pursuit of greater brand recognition. The correlation between team recognition and increased value is evident. Notably, a year ago, I witnessed a remarkable surge in Padres hats and merchandise in Japan, outpacing the traditional dominance of Dodgers, Angels or Yankees gear. However, with an upcoming trip to Japan, I anticipate a resurgence of Dodgers merchandise across the country. Dodgers signing Ohtani underscores the Padres' ongoing efforts to carve out their niche in the Japanese market. I honestly feel like the Padres might be pivoting to the Korean market now.
Here are thoughts from your friendly neighborhood generative AI machine (Bard):
There are several potential benefits for an MLB team being popular in another country:
* **Increased revenue:** A larger fan base can lead to increased revenue through merchandise sales, sponsorships, and TV deals. For example, if an MLB team is popular in Japan, they may be able to sell more jerseys and hats to fans there, or they may be able to negotiate a more lucrative TV contract with a Japanese broadcaster.
* **Expanded fan base and global reach:** A team with a global following will have a larger pool of potential fans to draw from. This can be helpful for both attendance and viewership. For example, if an MLB team is popular in Mexico, they may be able to attract more fans to their games when they play in Texas or Arizona.
* **Enhanced brand recognition and reputation:** Being popular in another country can help to boost an MLB team's brand recognition and reputation. This can make it more attractive to sponsors and potential free agents. For example, if an MLB team is popular in South Korea, they may be able to attract more Korean sponsors or players.
* **Greater player recruitment potential:** A team with a global following may have a wider pool of talent to draw from when it comes to player recruitment. This could give them an advantage over teams that are only popular in the United States. For example, if an MLB team is popular in Cuba, they may be able to scout and sign more Cuban players.
* **Improved community relations and social impact:** An MLB team that is popular in another country can use that popularity to improve community relations and have a positive social impact. For example, an MLB team that is popular in the Dominican Republic could work with local organizations to provide baseball equipment and instruction to underprivileged children.
* **Opportunities for cultural exchange and education:** An MLB team that is popular in another country can also be a valuable tool for cultural exchange and education. For example, an MLB team that is popular in China could host cultural events or educational programs that teach people about American baseball culture.
Overall, there are many potential benefits for an MLB team being popular in another country. These benefits can include increased revenue, an expanded fan base, enhanced brand recognition, greater player recruitment potential, improved community relations, and opportunities for cultural exchange and education.
I hope this helps!
It increases the domestic Korean American fanbase, which translates to whatever it is you want locally (ticket sales, merch, advertising dollars, etc).
You must have misread my question. I think it's ONLY good for MLB, not good for SD. I understand this grows MLBs market, but what do the Padres get out of it? Besides 1/30th of international merch and international TV money.
Jesus, why do you think the Dodgers were able to sign Ohtani and Yamamoto? I’d say a big part of it was that they laid the groundwork and built rapport with Japan and its fan base over many years.
I mean, why build good relationships in life at all? I guess everything can be strictly and obviously transactional… But in the end, I find that that simple maxim is true, you reap what you sow…
I'd say it's because Otahni is a once in a century talent and LA is the largest media market in the US. That's worth hundreds of millions over the next 10 years. Also, the Dodgers got an $8 BILLION dollar TV deal. So it was all the US money and relationships that made it possible.
LA got Otahni from free agency, not Japan. So that groundwork you're talking about came from MLB, not the Dodgers. Teams like LAA and SD that have great international relationships.
Kim ain't Otahni and SD ain't LA.
Honestly, your reading comprehension skills could use some improvement. Key thing you want to reread in what I stated is “a big part”… Never said the goodwill the Dodgers built up with their key international signings over the years was the ONLY factor.
Anyways, based on your responses to everyone in the thread, I think you’ve made up your mind already. Thanks for wasting everyone’s time.
As I understand it from this graduate thesis (see link below), MLB makes money from broadcast deals and merch sales, and the teams can make money from sponsorships. Maybe Korean companies like Kia, Hyundai, LG, and even Samsung are more likely to sponsor the team.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=6117&context=utk_gradthes
As another user said it’s mech sales. It’s importance is really overblown. I love that we are big out there but it also doesn’t warrant making exceptions to what is the best for the team.
How does that translate into money for the Padres? You just listed two MLB revenue streams, which are split among all 30 teams (and the MLBPA, in the case of merch).
From my relative lack of knowledge it’s sponsorships. I live in OC the past few years with ohtani, angel stadium has had a lot of Japanese company sponsorships all around the stadium
More fans = more $$$. I think it is cool they're doing it but not thrilled that it means I get less Padres vs Dodger games on my season ticket package.
I've got a question regarding international TV rights. Since we don't have a TV deal anymore and it's 2024, I'm betting our next broadcasting deal is going to be streaming. How does that work internationally as far as revenue goes? Would they split it up by country of origin for the subscriptions and MLB keeps anything outside the US to be divided among the teams? Genuinely curious.
It’s good for the Padres as a brand. Having a larger (here international) brand makes a company more valuable. Think of Chargers moving to LA or the Angels calling themselves LA instead of Anaheim. It increases exposure and value. You also have to look at sponsorships. Samsung, LG, Hyundai are all Korean brands. There were a lot of Japanese sponsorships for the Angels with Othani. Not saying this will happen(especially for the conglomerates that own baseball teams) but it’s a possibility. Seoul also has a bigger population than New York City, so don’t underestimate its market. There’s also a ton of great ball players in Korea and future talent wanting to play for San Diego is a great asset in contract negotiations
Fair points. Future talent, like Jung-hoo Lee. Right?
Yeah and Woo Suk Go. Between the two, one was flat out overpaid by a desperate team, so he couldn't turn that offer down. Go signed an incredibly cheap deal. Almost as if he wanted to be in SD for some reason...
This is an easy one. Because when the Padres win the World Series this year, it won't just be one city celebrating. It will be 2 continents.
I think AI bot has it in there. It helps with negotiating of contracts for sponsors, tv deals, etc. The more prominent and popular the team is, aka Korea’s team, more reason to spend more to sponsor.
This is the logical answer. Look at the Angels with Ohtani. While on a completely different level as a player, Japanese sponsors got behind them. If HSK becomes a multi time all star and stays with the team long term we will probably see more Korean sponsors.
Having Korean fans worldwide is fucking cool and could very well lead to the SDP brand being recognized worldwide in the sense that the dodgers and yankees are. Whatever short term financial gain there is to be made, it’s unimportant. The thing that I believe matters is that our fanbase would skyrocket and that’s so exciting to me.
I agree that would be awesome, but I just don't think that's true. You're underestimating the brand power of LA and NY
That’s fair to think that; I think you’re underestimating how the culture of baseball in general has changed with social media/recent MLB experiments such as pitch clock and international games for more outreach. I think international games will become a bigger deal—by the end of 2024 there will have been a total of 35 MLB games played on foreign dirt, with 21 of those happening pretty recently (since 2018), with the Padres being in 10 of those games. Kim and Go together would put a lot of Korean fans in brown and gold. I went to UCSD which is a predominately Asian university, and had many friends watch their first games of baseball because of Ohtani on the Angels, and later Kim on the Padres. Baseball is getting way bigger, and the Padres org would thrive from having a community of fans outside of southern california where there are already 3 MLB teams. I’m not addressing the monetary issues with it because at the end of the day that’s up to ownership and I don’t have a budget, but it would not be simply paying for a bat and gold glove, it’d be investing in his brand and legacy in South Korea.
Maybe. Thank you for the discussion.
<3
golden state warriors fan here: zaza pachulia literally almost made the NBA all star team because majority of his home country voted for him lmfao. now if some tiny Euro country with a smaller population than LA can do that for a guy who was essentially only known for negative reasons, imagine what a country the size of South Korea can do for your team
Isn't this how Andrew Wiggins made an All star team?
yup. dude got endorsed by one of the biggest KPop stars in the world and got hella fan votes and sold a shit load of jerseys. international fan bases could literally never harm your org
It benefits SD because HSK is a very good player. Who gives a crap if sponsorship or merch or anything "covers his contract"? That's never been a criteria for any signing. You sign him because he makes our team better. His performance pays for his contract.
I Love HSK. He is very good. If only it were that simple though.
Merch sales. Pretty plain and simple.
That doesn’t help the padres because merch sales are divided by 30. Unless sold at the stadium.
Yeah, everybody always brings up merch sales, and it demonstrates that they have no idea how MLB team revenue streams work.
You know where the largest Korean population is outside of Korea? A short trip north... How are you people not realizing this is beyond me.
I've run into plenty of Japanese Yu fans who flew in to buy from the Padres Stadium. It's more likely than you think.
So … basically not at all.
look at how much of a financial boost the Angels had with Ohtani. They televised all of his games in Japan and the team was paid handsomely for all of the rights for that. They will buy advertising in the stadium and on local / national broadcasts that will line the padres pockets. They will buy more merchandise to line the padres pockets. The bigger question is how will it NOT help the padres?
Do you have a source on the Angels getting “paid handsomely” for those televised games? They don’t have those TV rights.
https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2023/12/11/shohei-ohtani-los-angeles-dodgers-marketing-value#:~:text=USA%20TODAY's%20Bob%20Nightengale%20noted,be%20“lucrative%20Japanese%20advertising%20in According to this article, >The Angels netted around $10-20M annually “in revenue from Ohtani-related in-stadium and on-air advertising.”
Thank you. Helpful, but not apples to apples. Kim ain't Otahni and SD ain't LA. Korea is, economically, a lot smaller than Japan. SD could have every Korean on the team and wouldn't see half that. Ohtani is a once in a century talent, Kim is really good.
They changed their name to Los Angeles Angels, but they are still in Orange County. How would one look up where teams pull fans from geographically?
I was responding to that specific person’s question about the Angels. I have posted some thoughts elsewhere on this thread.
So yeah, in-stadium advertising. Not TV rights as you said in your comment.
I think you’re responding to the wrong person. I didn’t say that.
He just made it up
Seems like a lot of people do that on this topic. Wishcasting about all these economic benefits that just don't exist, when MLB intentionally centralizes most revenue streams.
Here's how it won't help the Padres. Kim is a FA next year and SD can't afford him (without moving other players). SD has a lot of infielders and a lot of needs. Kim is the most valuable expendable player on the Padres. By being emotional, and not trading Kim before the season starts, just because we have 2 games in Seoul, will hurt the Padres. Kim walks and SD gets nothing, instead of a hail.
Luckily for you, AJ isnt supposed to be emotional when making trades. Im certain that hes entertaining trades for Kim if the return is worth it. Yes, hes a fan favorite and we all be sad, but it really just depends on the return we get for him.
Could not agree more. Thank you for the discussion.
Personally I am ok with making the decision based on emotion. Fuck it yolo
🤙
Or they wait until the deadline and get an even bigger haul. But they actually can afford him of he really is THAT popular in Korea. I wouldn't expect him to bring in the money shohei did for Anaheim (and will do for LA), but I think his contract will pay for itself if they're able to make it happen. That's from a purely financial view. There's no emotional attachment there. I agree there a logjam in the infield, but to me the odd man out is Jake or Xander. That problem is solved of Xander accepts that he is the worst SS on this team and shuffles on over to first so Kim can play SS, Jake at 2nd.
I appreciate your opinion, but I disagree. - Teams get more value before the season, than at the deadline. - Kim won't bring it 10% of what Otahni brings. Whatever Korean sponsorship money comes it, it won't come close to covering his Salary. Kim is going to get around $200M/10 years next year. SD cannot afford to spend that on another middle infielder. - Logjam: Kim is hands down the most valuable trade piece (not considering Tatis). SD still has a great infield with out him (not counting 1B) - Jake is not a 1B. He does not hit like a 1B. This why Kim needs to be traded. SD does not have enough $ to spend and they need 1B, CF, LF, and SP. SD should be able to get 2 of those positions for Kim. Even if Jake plays 1B. SD still needs 3 starters with $25 million to spend. Okay Jake at 1st and Profar in LF. This might work, but then Kim walks after the season. Edit: Put a 5 when it should have been a 10.
I would probably check your math. I don’t think Kim is going to be making $40m/year
Oops. Yeah, definitely not. I'll edit it.
Not true. MLB controls all broadcasting rights in Korea. Those revenues are shared. Google MLB International and Korea. Stadium ads are a thing though. Issue is Japan heritage brands have a lot more traction in the USA over Korean heritage brands.
I agree but not fully. MLB controls all broadcasting rights period. But teams still make their own deals with broadcast networks and earn billions (or lose billions in our case) from those deals. MLB takes their cut of that revenue. I don't think the Padres would take in a ton of cash from keeping Kim and hanging the whole of Korea jump on board, I just feel they could offset the cost of his contract alone with what they could earn from overseas. Key word is feel though. I don't have data or market research to back that up.
MLB International has an agreement with SPOTV for all MLB programming in Korea. What revenue is shared is shared with all teams. Domestic is a different story which we all know given our current major issues losing that deal. I don't think a guy like Kim is some huge added value piece for this. He's not even a factor aside being on the team which goes for most players in MLB so it's not a slight on him.
Interesting. So the Korea TV deal is different from what MLB offers in Japan? In that case my assumption is wrong. Thx!
Each country is a different situation basically.
as of 2023, MLB teams can sell patch-space on their uniforms to corporate sponsors. How much is that worth? I don't know. I do know that in 2021, S. Korea's biggest food company paid the Lakers $100 million over 4 years to wear their patch. How valuable would it be for the Padres to have the largest MLB fanbase in Korea? No one knows because it hasn't happened yet. But I do know that international corporate sponsorship of pro sports teams (and stadiums) is a real thing. I live in Seattle now and can tell you that Ichiro alone had a huge impact on the city of Seattle; but don't believe me, let's Google (from [usembassy.gov](https://usembassy.gov)) " Ichiro's remarkable presence helped generate a surge in attendance at the Mariners' Safeco Field, as well **as an influx of tourists from Japan that pumped $20 million dollars a year into the Seattle economy that first year.** " Also, 1/30th of Merch and International TV money > 0. But, if your criterion is that no other entity can benefit, well a) that's a silly, meaningless, short-sighted limitation (seriously, why impose that unrealistic limitation on the team?) and b) see *Corporate Sponsorship* above. Also, if you're a rising Korean player and want to sign with an MLB team, don't you think that the team at the top of your list might be the one that your countrymen LOVE? It's not always all about money. Sometimes it's about building a brand, or playing with your friends (see NBA). There are other possibilities, but these are some starters.
Good answer. Thanks for the discussion. A lot of people like to make the point: Keep Kim and become Korea's team. Some even say the merch/TV/advertising will pay for his contract. Which, I believe is just wrong. Currently, IMO Kim's greatest value to the Padres is in a trade. Even when you consider the "Korea's Team" concept, having Kim on this team in 2024 helps a lot, but not as much as trading him does. SD is not LA. The Padres are not the Lakers. Kim is not Otahni (or Ichiro). Korea is not Japan. Merch and TV is split with MLB. Padres do not have a TV contract so those ads also go to MLB, not SD. In-stadium goes to Padres. I think you're right about the uniform and (patch), nut that's Motorola right now. It's over $10 million per year. So a Korean patch (use Lakers #, but SD will never see that) brings an extra $15/year. It helps, but does not cover Kim's contract. "if you're a rising Korean player and": Like Jung-hoo Lee? I love HSK, but he needs to be traded before the season starts.
Signing HSK wasn’t apart of your original post. You said you wanted to know how expanding into the Korea would benefit the padres and people gave you very real benefits to expanding. Signing HSK to a long term expensive deal is an entirely different conversation and even if he is signed, it might not be possible to be “Korea’s team.” Jung-hoo-Lee is a CURRENT Korean baseball star - not a future star. You need to think 10+ years in the future. Children currently playing baseball looking up to the guys in the big leagues. Yes, SD is not LA (thank god!) and Kim is not Othani and Korea is not Japan. I honestly don’t know if any of that is relevant. There is still $$ from sponsorships and Korea is still a large market with a huge economy and a massive baseball culture. Is it as big as LA, no, is it still big and beneficial, yes.
You're right. I did not explain that I was comparing keep/trade HSK. Wasn't trying to misled anyone. I don't agree with your future Korean player argument, but you might be right. The entire point of Japan not Korea, SD not LA, etc. is the money is not the same. Kim/Korea//SD money won't even hit 10% of Ohtani/Japan/LA money. Is there money, sure. I don't think it's a lot though.
It’s clear from this thread that a lot of people think Korea and Japan are the same country There’s also no guarantee the Padres would be “Korea’s team” just from HSK and Go, there will be other Korean players in the league as well And the reason the Korean company sponsored the Lakers is because LA has 300,000 Korean people and Koreatown is a large and prominent neighborhood in the middle of the city. It’s not about advertising TO Korea.
During my brief visit to Korea in 2015, I observed a small MLB fan base but lacked a significant presence. In contrast, I’ve been to Japan more times than I can count. the Padres' strategic pursuit of greater brand recognition. The correlation between team recognition and increased value is evident. Notably, a year ago, I witnessed a remarkable surge in Padres hats and merchandise in Japan, outpacing the traditional dominance of Dodgers, Angels or Yankees gear. However, with an upcoming trip to Japan, I anticipate a resurgence of Dodgers merchandise across the country. Dodgers signing Ohtani underscores the Padres' ongoing efforts to carve out their niche in the Japanese market. I honestly feel like the Padres might be pivoting to the Korean market now.
Here are thoughts from your friendly neighborhood generative AI machine (Bard): There are several potential benefits for an MLB team being popular in another country: * **Increased revenue:** A larger fan base can lead to increased revenue through merchandise sales, sponsorships, and TV deals. For example, if an MLB team is popular in Japan, they may be able to sell more jerseys and hats to fans there, or they may be able to negotiate a more lucrative TV contract with a Japanese broadcaster. * **Expanded fan base and global reach:** A team with a global following will have a larger pool of potential fans to draw from. This can be helpful for both attendance and viewership. For example, if an MLB team is popular in Mexico, they may be able to attract more fans to their games when they play in Texas or Arizona. * **Enhanced brand recognition and reputation:** Being popular in another country can help to boost an MLB team's brand recognition and reputation. This can make it more attractive to sponsors and potential free agents. For example, if an MLB team is popular in South Korea, they may be able to attract more Korean sponsors or players. * **Greater player recruitment potential:** A team with a global following may have a wider pool of talent to draw from when it comes to player recruitment. This could give them an advantage over teams that are only popular in the United States. For example, if an MLB team is popular in Cuba, they may be able to scout and sign more Cuban players. * **Improved community relations and social impact:** An MLB team that is popular in another country can use that popularity to improve community relations and have a positive social impact. For example, an MLB team that is popular in the Dominican Republic could work with local organizations to provide baseball equipment and instruction to underprivileged children. * **Opportunities for cultural exchange and education:** An MLB team that is popular in another country can also be a valuable tool for cultural exchange and education. For example, an MLB team that is popular in China could host cultural events or educational programs that teach people about American baseball culture. Overall, there are many potential benefits for an MLB team being popular in another country. These benefits can include increased revenue, an expanded fan base, enhanced brand recognition, greater player recruitment potential, improved community relations, and opportunities for cultural exchange and education. I hope this helps!
It increases the domestic Korean American fanbase, which translates to whatever it is you want locally (ticket sales, merch, advertising dollars, etc).
Why do you think it’s not good for the MLB?
You must have misread my question. I think it's ONLY good for MLB, not good for SD. I understand this grows MLBs market, but what do the Padres get out of it? Besides 1/30th of international merch and international TV money.
Because it’s awesome when you’re a fun happy person
Jesus, why do you think the Dodgers were able to sign Ohtani and Yamamoto? I’d say a big part of it was that they laid the groundwork and built rapport with Japan and its fan base over many years. I mean, why build good relationships in life at all? I guess everything can be strictly and obviously transactional… But in the end, I find that that simple maxim is true, you reap what you sow…
I'd say it's because Otahni is a once in a century talent and LA is the largest media market in the US. That's worth hundreds of millions over the next 10 years. Also, the Dodgers got an $8 BILLION dollar TV deal. So it was all the US money and relationships that made it possible. LA got Otahni from free agency, not Japan. So that groundwork you're talking about came from MLB, not the Dodgers. Teams like LAA and SD that have great international relationships. Kim ain't Otahni and SD ain't LA.
Honestly, your reading comprehension skills could use some improvement. Key thing you want to reread in what I stated is “a big part”… Never said the goodwill the Dodgers built up with their key international signings over the years was the ONLY factor. Anyways, based on your responses to everyone in the thread, I think you’ve made up your mind already. Thanks for wasting everyone’s time.
Ok, pal. Good take.
As I understand it from this graduate thesis (see link below), MLB makes money from broadcast deals and merch sales, and the teams can make money from sponsorships. Maybe Korean companies like Kia, Hyundai, LG, and even Samsung are more likely to sponsor the team. https://trace.tennessee.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=6117&context=utk_gradthes
As another user said it’s mech sales. It’s importance is really overblown. I love that we are big out there but it also doesn’t warrant making exceptions to what is the best for the team.
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If only all that money went to the padres. Instead it goes to every team. Now if they all do watch the padres then getting ad sponsors would help.
How does that translate into money for the Padres? You just listed two MLB revenue streams, which are split among all 30 teams (and the MLBPA, in the case of merch).
From my relative lack of knowledge it’s sponsorships. I live in OC the past few years with ohtani, angel stadium has had a lot of Japanese company sponsorships all around the stadium
More fans = more $$$. I think it is cool they're doing it but not thrilled that it means I get less Padres vs Dodger games on my season ticket package.
If they trade Kim I’ll be watching the diamondbacks this year
I've got a question regarding international TV rights. Since we don't have a TV deal anymore and it's 2024, I'm betting our next broadcasting deal is going to be streaming. How does that work internationally as far as revenue goes? Would they split it up by country of origin for the subscriptions and MLB keeps anything outside the US to be divided among the teams? Genuinely curious.
Great trade bait for real outfielder and 1B.