07/27/26 09:07:00
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07/27 00:00 CDT Chan Ho Park becomes first Korean to buy a stake in an MLB club
by joining Athletics group
Chan Ho Park becomes first Korean to buy a stake in an MLB club by joining
Athletics group
By MARK ANDERSON
AP Sports Writer
LAS VEGAS (AP) --- Former pitcher Chan Ho Park became the first Korean to
purchase a stake in a major league club, the second significant addition in the
past week to the Athletics' ownership structure as they prepare to move to Las
Vegas in 2028.
Park, the first Korean major league player who pitched 17 seasons (1994-2010),
going 124-98, also will take on the title of senior adviser to owner John
Fisher.
The investment group, Team61, announced Sunday night its investment will total
$70 million, of which $55 million is committed with another $15 million if
Major League Baseball approves the deal.
Actors Ken Jeong and Daniel Dae Kim also are part of the investment group.
"During my playing career, I introduced Korea to Major League Baseball and
Major League Baseball to Korean fans, and I saw firsthand how even a small
point of connection can create meaningful change," Park said in a statement.
"Korea is now a baseball powerhouse with outstanding fans and a strong
player-development system.
"Through exchanges with Las Vegas, which is opening a new era in Major League
Baseball, I hope more opportunities will be created for the next generation of
players. We are grateful for this opportunity to collaborate with the Athletics
to lift up Korean baseball to the next level."
Fisher, in a statement, touted the international benefits to the club.
"South Korea is an exciting country for baseball, and we are thrilled to
partner with Chan Ho Park and Team61 to support their continued future
success," Fisher said. "Just as he pioneered and broke ground for Korean and
Asian baseball players in America, we believe that this partnership with Chan
Ho to pioneer Korean ownership in baseball will have long and lasting positive
impacts."
Harbinger Sports Group, which includes former Dallas Mavericks owner Mark
Cuban, announced Thursday that it bought a minority stake in the A's, though
details were not released. But Harbinger said it has raised more than $460
million in less than six months.
The A's are building a $2 billion, 33,000-person domed stadium on the Las Vegas
Strip. They are currently playing the second of three planned seasons in West
Sacramento, California.
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