A Strategic Bet on Asian Baseball
A $70 million investment led by former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Chan Ho Park, actor Ken Jeong and BTS member Suga, channeled through the venture firm Team61, marks a decisive push to deepen the Oakland Athletics’ ties with Asian markets.
Park will assume the role of strategic partner, focusing on player development and the scouting of talent from South Korea and other Asian nations, while the trio of Jeong, Kim and Suga bring both cultural clout and industry connections to the table.
The capital is earmarked for the construction of a $2 billion, 33,000‑seat stadium on the Las Vegas Strip, a venue that team officials say will serve as a magnet for international fans, especially those traveling from South Korea, a market that contributed over 158,000 visitors to Las Vegas in 2025.
To capture that traffic, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has opened sales offices in Seoul and intensified advertising campaigns, while Korean Air has scheduled daily nonstop flights between Seoul and Las Vegas, expanding service during peak travel periods.
Team61’s broader vision includes leveraging the Athletics’ platform to showcase Asian players, stimulate tourism, and generate business opportunities that mirror the economic boost seen after other major sporting events in the city.
If the plan unfolds as projected, the new ballpark could open its gates in 2028, positioning the Athletics as a bridge between Major League Baseball and a rapidly expanding Asian fan base.