2025 MLB Preview: StubHub’s Analysis on International Growth Spurred by the Dodgers and Yankees

The 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) season is set to be a historic one, with international growth reaching new heights thanks to the efforts of iconic franchises like the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees. For years, baseball has been a beloved sport in the United States, but its impact across the globe has been slowly building to a crescendo. With teams like the Dodgers and Yankees leading the charge, MLB’s outreach and popularity in markets around the world are set to be a key storyline of the 2025 season.

This in-depth preview will explore how international growth is transforming MLB, highlighting the Dodgers and Yankees’ roles in expanding the game. It will also examine the increased involvement of international players, enhanced global marketing strategies, MLB’s efforts to tap into new fanbases, and what all of this means for the future of the sport. To understand the full picture, we must consider how these two powerhouse teams have become ambassadors for the game, while exploring the broader trends in baseball’s global expansion.

1. A New Era of Global Baseball

The globalization of sports has taken on new dimensions over the past two decades, with leagues like the NBA and soccer’s European leagues dominating the international sports landscape. Major League Baseball, once considered an American pastime, has had to adapt, reaching out to fans and talent from around the globe. Today, baseball is no longer confined to U.S. borders, and the increasing number of international players and fans is a testament to its success.

A large part of this transformation is attributed to the global marketing efforts by MLB and the way individual teams have embraced this international growth. Notably, the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees have emerged as key players in this movement, making significant strides in how the league reaches international markets.

In recent years, MLB has committed itself to enhancing its presence globally, with efforts in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, where the sport has a rich tradition. The league has staged games abroad, including the MLB London Series and international regular-season games in Mexico, Japan, and the Dominican Republic. These games are seen as key steps in fostering the growth of baseball internationally, while also increasing fan engagement in markets that may not have previously experienced the excitement of live MLB action.

2. The Los Angeles Dodgers: A Global Powerhouse

The Los Angeles Dodgers, one of MLB’s most successful franchises, have been at the forefront of international expansion. Their unique position as a globally recognized team, thanks in part to their long history, success on the field, and location in one of the world’s largest entertainment hubs, has allowed them to foster deep connections with fans around the world.

The Dodgers’ International Influence

Los Angeles, with its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, has been a bridge between the U.S. and many countries, particularly those in Asia and Latin America. The Dodgers have capitalized on this by making inroads into both of these key regions, and their impact is seen both on and off the field.

In particular, the Dodgers’ influence in Asia has been significant. Their ties to Japanese baseball are undeniable, with Japanese star pitcher Kenta Maeda playing for the team in the mid-2010s, and the iconic signing of international sensation Shohei Ohtani by MLB teams fueling a major surge in the sport’s popularity in Japan. The Dodgers’ international roster has brought attention to their games, sparking a renewed interest in MLB within Japan and other Asian countries.

The Dodgers’ outreach goes beyond individual player signings. The team has developed strong partnerships with Asian brands and networks, broadcasting games in multiple languages and ensuring that fans from Japan, South Korea, and China have access to Dodgers’ content. This comprehensive global marketing effort has helped solidify the Dodgers as a brand that represents not just American baseball, but a team with a truly international reach.

The Dodgers’ Latin American Presence

In addition to Asia, the Dodgers have long had a presence in Latin America, particularly in countries like the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Mexico. These nations have produced some of the most talented players in the history of MLB, and the Dodgers have made a concerted effort to maintain relationships with these communities. The team has invested in youth baseball programs, providing opportunities for young players to showcase their talents on the global stage.

The Dodgers’ international influence in Latin America has been further amplified by the signing of some of the game’s most exciting players from the region. Stars like Yasiel Puig (Cuba), Julio Urías (Mexico), and Miguel Vargas (Dominican Republic) have brought attention to the Dodgers’ commitment to Latin American talent, while the team’s presence in the region has opened doors for future generations of players to dream of making it to the big leagues.

3. The New York Yankees: The Global Brand

Few teams in professional sports are as synonymous with global recognition as the New York Yankees. As one of the most iconic teams in the history of baseball, the Yankees’ global brand has been integral to MLB’s expansion efforts. The team’s reach is not just limited to American fans; it extends far beyond U.S. borders to Europe, Asia, and Latin America, where the Yankees enjoy a cult following.

Yankees and Their International Fanbase

The Yankees’ global fanbase is one of the largest and most diverse in the sports world. Their success, history, and celebrity status have made them a household name, especially in places like Europe, where baseball is a developing sport. But it’s not just the Yankees’ success on the field that has fueled this global growth; it’s their effective use of marketing and merchandising that has turned the team into an international brand.

From their iconic logo to the presence of the team on social media, the Yankees have leveraged the global reach of digital platforms to engage with fans worldwide. MLB and the Yankees have made sure that the team’s presence is felt not only in the U.S. but in other key markets, offering translated content and live-streamed games to cater to their global fanbase. Additionally, the Yankees have been active in hosting international fan events, making it easier for fans across the globe to connect with the team.

International Player Development: The Yankees’ Global Reach

The Yankees’ commitment to scouting and developing international talent has been a crucial part of their success. Over the years, the team has signed players from around the world, most notably from the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Japan. The likes of Hideki Matsui (Japan), Robinson Canó (Dominican Republic), and recent superstar, Gleyber Torres (Venezuela), have had a massive impact on the team’s success and have expanded the Yankees’ global appeal.

Moreover, the Yankees have built a strong network of scouts and coaches in key international regions, allowing them to unearth hidden talent from places where baseball is gaining popularity but may not be as deeply embedded in the sporting culture. This emphasis on international player development not only helps build a stronger, more diverse roster but also strengthens MLB’s global presence.

4. The Role of MLB’s Global Strategy

Global Games and Exhibitions

As part of its broader effort to internationalize the game, MLB has staged regular-season games outside of the United States and Canada. Cities like London, Mexico City, and Tokyo have hosted MLB games, bringing live action to regions that have long had a love for the sport but limited access to top-tier competition.

In particular, the MLB London Series has been a breakthrough in European baseball. The two-game series held in London between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees in 2019 marked the first time that MLB had staged regular-season games in the United Kingdom. The event was widely regarded as a success, sparking further interest in the sport across Europe. Future international exhibitions and series are planned for the 2025 season, as MLB continues to cultivate global interest.

Digital Outreach

Digital media has played a crucial role in spreading baseball beyond U.S. borders. MLB’s partnership with international streaming platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter, has made it easier for fans around the world to access games and content. MLB has also been keen on partnering with streaming services that have global reach, such as MLB.TV, to ensure that fans from every corner of the globe can follow their favorite teams and players.

As social media continues to dominate as a primary source of entertainment and information, MLB’s strategy of tailoring content for specific international markets has paid off. The league has created localized content in various languages, ensuring that fans from different regions can engage with the sport in a way that feels personal and relevant to them.

5. The Future of MLB’s International Expansion

As we look toward the future of baseball in 2025 and beyond, it’s clear that the sport’s international appeal will continue to grow. The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees, as two of the most influential teams in MLB, will play a significant role in this expansion. Their global outreach, player development efforts, and strategic marketing initiatives are vital to the league’s future success.

However, MLB must continue to foster strong relationships with international communities, focusing on grassroots programs, youth baseball development, and the creation of more international events. By continuing to invest in these areas, MLB will not only increase its fanbase but also solidify its position as a globally recognized sport, attracting fans from every corner of the world.

The 2025 season will be a pivotal year in this journey. With the Dodgers and Yankees leading the charge, Major League Baseball’s international growth is set to enter a new era, and the sport’s global future has never looked brighter.