In a move that has reverberated across Major League Baseball (MLB) and sparked widespread debate, Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani has reportedly turned down a staggering $199 million sponsorship deal from Apple, offered by the company’s CEO, Tim Cook. The deal, which would have been one of the richest single-season endorsements in sports history, came with a condition that Ohtani post advertisements supporting the LGBTQ+ community for the remainder of his MLB career. Ohtani’s decision to decline the offer, accompanied by a concise but impactful statement, has stunned fans, analysts, and industry insiders, igniting conversations about personal choice, corporate influence, and the role of athletes in social advocacy.

Tim Cook, Apple’s openly gay CEO and a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, has been a trailblazer in corporate leadership, steering Apple toward a strong stance on diversity and inclusion. Under his guidance, the company has championed initiatives like Pride campaigns and workplace equality programs. The reported $199 million offer to Ohtani was seen as an extension of Cook’s commitment to leveraging Apple’s global platform to promote inclusivity, particularly by aligning with one of baseball’s most marketable stars. Ohtani, a 31-year-old Japanese phenom, is fresh off a historic 2024 season, where he became the first player to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases, earning a unanimous National League MVP award and a World Series title with the Dodgers.

Ohtani’s financial portfolio is already formidable. His 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers, signed in 2023, is the largest in sports history, though $680 million is deferred until 2034. Additionally, Ohtani is projected to earn $100 million in endorsements in 2025 alone, with partnerships spanning brands like New Balance, Seiko, and Fanatics. The proposed Apple deal would have nearly doubled his endorsement income for the year, making it a lucrative opportunity that few athletes could afford to dismiss. Yet, Ohtani’s decision to reject the offer underscores his guarded approach to his public persona and his reluctance to engage in social or political advocacy.

According to sources, Ohtani’s response to Cook’s offer was a carefully worded statement emphasizing his dedication to baseball and his respect for all fans, but explicitly declining to commit to indefinite advocacy for any specific cause. While the exact wording remains private, insiders suggest Ohtani expressed a desire to keep his focus on the field, avoiding roles that position him as a spokesperson for social issues. This stance has polarized reactions. Supporters argue that Ohtani’s decision reflects his right to prioritize his athletic career and maintain neutrality, especially given his global fanbase and cultural background, where public stances on social issues are less common among athletes. Critics, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, view it as a missed opportunity for Ohtani to use his platform to champion equality, especially in light of Cook’s personal advocacy and Apple’s inclusive ethos.

The MLB world has been quick to weigh in. Some players and analysts commend Ohtani for standing firm in his principles, noting that athletes should not be coerced into endorsing causes, even for substantial financial gain. Others argue that his rejection risks alienating a portion of his fanbase and could signal a reluctance to embrace the broader responsibilities of global stardom. On platforms like X, fans have debated fiercely, with some praising Ohtani’s focus on baseball and others questioning whether his decision reflects cultural differences or personal beliefs. The controversy has also spotlighted Cook’s approach, with some users criticizing the offer as an attempt to leverage Ohtani’s fame for corporate branding, while others see it as a bold move to advance social progress.

Ohtani’s decision comes at a time when athletes are increasingly expected to engage with social issues, from racial justice to gender equality. His existing endorsements, which include apolitical brands like Kose Cosmetics and Ito En, suggest a deliberate choice to avoid controversial topics. Meanwhile, Cook’s offer highlights the growing intersection of corporate sponsorships and activism, raising questions about the pressures athletes face to align with corporate values. As Ohtani prepares for the 2025 season, where he is expected to return as a two-way player, his rejection of the Apple deal ensures that his on-field performance will remain the focus, even as the debate over his decision continues to ripple through the sports world and beyond.