By Risha Ganguly
In a groundbreaking move that covers the distance between K-pop and sports, BTS member SUGA aka Min Yoongi and South Korean baseball icon Park Chan-Ho are set to invest in the American Major League Baseball team The Athletics. According to reports in Korean media, the duo will be part of a private equity fund spearheaded by Park Chan-Ho’s sports management agency, Team 61. Yoongi invests in MLB team The Athletics, formerly known as the Oakland Athletics, are currently in the process of relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada. The move, set for completion by 2028, comes with a massive $1.75 billion price tag for the construction of a new state-of-the-art stadium. In late June, the team held a groundbreaking ceremony to officially kickstart the project. The Athletics, established in 1901, have a rich history with nine World Series championship titles. However, in recent years, the team has struggled both on the field and financially. The relocation to Las Vegas is seen as a fresh start to revitalise the team’s image and performance. Fans are excited to see what role Park Chan-Ho, the first Korean to play in MLB, may play in management, possibly scouting Korean talent for the team. Meanwhile, SUGA’s involvement is sparking speculation about promotional collaborations, bringing the worlds of baseball and K-pop closer than ever. ALSO READ: BTS Jungkook’s Solo Tour On Way? ARMYs Are Convinced Because Of THIS Reason All about the investment Team 61 is reportedly investing $70 million into The Athletics and their new stadium. This investment will acquire approximately 2–3% in new shares issued by the MLB team. Alongside Park Chan-Ho and SUGA, other notable investors include Lee Man-Deuk, president of Samchully Co., Ltd., and Mike Joo, COO of Bank of America Merrill Lynch’s investment banking branch. This partnership marks a unique cultural crossover, uniting sports legends and global pop icons for a bold venture in the MLB.