'First Korean MLB Investor' Park Chan-ho: 'Looking forward to Korean players playing for the Athletics'

Park Chan-ho, a legendary figure in Korean baseball as the nation's first Major League Baseball player, is making history once again. He has now become the first Korean to invest in an MLB team, establishing a strategic partnership with the Oakland Athletics through his investment consortium, Team 61.

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We want to start a new journey with baseball fans around the world. That beginning is the Republic of Korea. Thank you, Park Chan-ho, for believing in our vision and investing.

The announcement, made at a press conference in Seoul, revealed that Team 61 will invest approximately $70 million (about 102.6 billion won) in the Athletics. Of this amount, $55 million has already been invested, with the remaining $15 million pending MLB approval. This investment is crucial for the Athletics as they prepare to relocate their franchise to Las Vegas in 2028 and construct a new ballpark.

Beyond the financial investment, Park Chan-ho will also serve as a senior advisor to Athletics owner John Fisher. In this capacity, he will provide counsel on player development and formulate strategies for the team's presence in Asia. Park emphasized that this partnership transcends a simple equity stake, aiming to create a vital connection between Korean baseball and the global MLB landscape.

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This investment is not just about equity. The ultimate goal of this project is to connect Korea and the U.S., Korean baseball and MLB, fans and players, and the corporate and sports industries.

"This investment is not just about equity. The ultimate goal of this project is to connect Korea and the U.S., Korean baseball and MLB, fans and players, and the corporate and sports industries," Park stated. He expressed a desire to pave the way for more children to learn, more players to pursue their dreams, and more companies to advance through this initiative.

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Also, the fact that there are no Korean players on the Athletics yet is a big mission for me. In that regard, I have to work harder.

The Athletics, a historic franchise known as the setting for the movie 'Moneyball,' are currently in a rebuilding phase. Park chose the Athletics partly because of their upcoming relocation to Las Vegas, a city with growing ties to Korea and Korean businesses. He also sees a significant mission in potentially bringing Korean players to the Athletics, envisioning a future where they play in the new Las Vegas stadium.

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We naturally want to have games with Korea, and invite Korean teams to Las Vegas. Also, securing baseball talent from around the world is a very important part of being a club. Our scouts are here too.