Shohei Ohtani can opt out of Dodgers contract if ownership changes
4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 13, 2026, 11:44 PM
Last updated Aug 13, 2026
Shohei Ohtani's contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers includes a provision that allows him to opt out if the team undergoes a change in ownership. This stipulation is part of Ohtani's groundbreaking 10-year, $700 million agreement for the 2024 season. Dodgers CEO Stan Kasten reiterated that the sale of the Lakers by owner Mark Walter does not affect the Dodgers and there are no current plans for a team sale. Walter and his company are under investigation for alleged loan fraud, leading to speculation about future ownership changes for the Dodgers.
- •Ohtani's deal includes a unique 'key man' opt-out clause.
- •Stan Kasten confirmed no impending changes for the Dodgers.
- •Mark Walter is facing a federal probe for loan fraud.
- 12:36 AMESPN — Source: Ohtani likely wouldn't opt out if team sold
- 9:42 PMYahoo Sports — Shohei Ohtani reportedly unlikely to opt out of Dodgers contract if Mark Walter sells team
- 8:42 PMYahoo Sports — Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani allowed to opt out of contract if team is sold
"The Dodgers star has a "key man" clause in his contract that allows him to leave the team if the club chairman or president of baseball operations exit the organization.
"Shohei Ohtani likely would not exercise a "key man" clause that would allow him to opt out of his contract if Mark Walter sold the Dodgers, a source told ESPN.
"Shohei Ohtani's groundbreaking deal would allow him to opt out if the Dodgers have a change in ownership.
Sources
External links- ESPNAug 14, 2026, 12:36 AMSource: Ohtani likely wouldn't opt out if team sold
Shohei Ohtani likely would not exercise a "key man" clause that would allow him to opt out of his contract if Mark Walter sold the Dodgers, a source told ESPN.
- Yahoo SportsAug 13, 2026, 9:42 PMShohei Ohtani reportedly unlikely to opt out of Dodgers contract if Mark Walter sells team
The Dodgers star has a "key man" clause in his contract that allows him to leave the team if the club chairman or president of baseball operations exit the organization.
- Yahoo SportsAug 13, 2026, 8:42 PMDodgers' Shohei Ohtani allowed to opt out of contract if team is sold
Shohei Ohtani's groundbreaking deal would allow him to opt out if the Dodgers have a change in ownership.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- MLB•Oct 17, 2026, 5:12 PMMariners manager candidate backs out of running for lesser job with Phillies
- MLB•Oct 17, 2026, 4:24 PMStruggling Shohei Ohtani dropped in Dodgers lineup vs Brewers for Game 3
MLB•Oct 17, 2026, 2:09 PMSaturday morning Rangers stuff- MLB•Oct 17, 2026, 11:43 AMAmerican League Championship Series Game 4: Rays at Guardians, 7 p.m. CT
MLB•Oct 17, 2026, 7:53 AM“Certain Fans of Shohei Ohtani Can’t Be Rational” – LA Radio Host Defends Dodgers Analyst After Backlash For Criticising $700M Star- MLB•Oct 17, 2026, 6:59 AMBraves' disappointing $18M Silver Slugger went off the grid following second PED suspension
