Beats by Dr. Dre has taken a major swing with its latest announcement, revealing Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani as their newest brand ambassador. Ohtani is set to appear in Beats’ upcoming marketing campaigns, which will spotlight the brand’s innovative lineup. It would also include the highly anticipated Powerbeats Pro 2 slated for a 2025 release. While Ohtani’s fans are pretty thrilled to see their idol align with the iconic audio brand, the news has seen mixed reactions online.

But, what’s the ground of debate here? Well, some fans have been expressing concerns online over the price tag associated with the Beats products that Ohtani has been promoting. Known for their premium quality and hefty price points, the upcoming Powerbeats Pro 2 headphones are expected to maintain this reputation. However, this has left many hesitant about whether they can afford to enjoy Ohtani’s merch.

Shohei Ohtani and Beats by Dre sparking global excitement

During his first campaign with Beats, Ohtani appeared in a commercial showcasing the highly anticipated Powerbeats Pro 2, set to release in 2025. The clip, which features the Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star slugging with the headphone model, teases the next evolution of the brand’s popular sports-focused gears. With this collaboration, Beats also cemented its status as partners with top-tier athletes. Moreover, it placed Shohei Ohtani alongside sporting legends like LeBron James and Lionel Messi, who have also endorsed the brand.

The announcement of Ohtani’s deal with Beats also comes hot on the heels of their high-profile collaboration with Kim Kardashian for Beats Studio Pro. Shohei Ohtani, who is already a sponsorship powerhouse with deals like Asics and Seiko, is now set to amplify Beats’ presence in the sports and entertainment world. The MLB star himself could not deny that this deal would further solidify his growing portfolio of endorsements, stating, “As a Beats ambassador, I am truly honored to work with such incredible athletes such as Lebron James and Lionel Messi. I am excited at the new opportunities this partnership will bring.”

Despite the price concerns, Shohei Ohtani’s immense global appeal is undeniable. His loyal fanbase, particularly those from Japan and across MLB, have taken to social media to show their support for the partnership, with many stating they’re willing to switch to Beats simply because of Ohtani’s involvement. 

Ohtani’s Beats endorsement ignites fan concerns over potential price hike

When Ohtani steps up to the story, whether in baseball or branding, one thing is for sure, that everyone is watching. And this collaboration has led netizens to share their two cents on Ohtani’s recent Instagram post. Reflecting a mix of humor and concern over the anticipated high cost of the new Powerbeats Pro 2 that Shohei Ohtani is promoting, one Instagram user commented, “I use those red ones, looking forward to my next pair being double the price”. They jokingly acknowledged that Ohtani’s involvement might drive up the price of the new product. However, despite the potential increase in cost, the fan hinted at being willing to invest in the next pair probably due to Ohtani’s endorsement.

Another fan comment read, “That must have cost an absolute fortune,” referring to the likely high price tag of Beats products. Given Ohtani’s superstar status and Beats’ premium brand reputation, fans speculate that the collaboration and the products themselves will come with hefty costs. And that it might make them potentially expensive for the average consumer.

On the other hand, another Shohei Ohtani fan doesn’t seem to be bothered much by the price of the upcoming Beats product. Despite the ongoing discussion regarding the high price, the fan is willing to buy the product, specifically because Ohtani is now a brand ambassador of Beats by Dr.Dre. They wrote, “How do I let apple know I am buying beats because of Shohei”. Such a comment also reflects the impact that Shohei Ohtani’s name has on his fans and how the involvement of a celebrity can impact fans’ choices. 

Another comment from a netizen read, “We switched back to beats y’all”. The words reflect the strong influence that Shohei Ohtani’s new role as a Beats by Dre ambassador has on his followers. Not paying heed to the cost of the product, the is ready to settle for a shift in brand loyalty, driven by admiration for Ohtani. Reflecting heartfelt admiration for Shohei Ohtani’s appearance and appeal as a brand ambassador for Beats, one fan commented, “A perfect profile. Handsome Shohei!”.

For now, fans are left balancing their excitement for the collaboration with the practicality of the product’s cost. But with time, will the tension finally resolve? What do you think? Share below.