Ken Jeong Purchased Minority Stake in Athletics
Actor Ken Jeong joined an investment group that committed $70 million to the franchise this past summer.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Baseball
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Actor Ken Jeong purchased a minority stake in the Athletics as part of an investment consortium known as Team 61. The group invested $70 million into the club during the summer of 2026.
Why it matters
Jeong was invited to join the ownership group by former player Chan Ho Park, highlighting the strengthening of international ties in baseball ownership. The move reflects growing interest in the team as it prepares for its future in Las Vegas.
The Team 61 investment group committed $70 million to the Athletics. This capital injection follows a series of ownership discussions held in South Korea involving the team's leadership.
The players
Ken Jeong
He is an actor and comedian who has now become a minority owner of the Athletics franchise.
Chan Ho Park
He was the first South Korean-born MLB player and serves as a primary link for this investment group.
John Fisher
He is the majority owner of the Athletics who participated in ownership discussions in South Korea.
Marc Badain
He is a sports executive who attended meetings with the investment group in South Korea.
The details
The investment group traveled to Gongju, South Korea, to meet with the family of Chan Ho Park and held further meetings with John Fisher and Marc Badain. Jeong, who discussed the partnership on SportsCenter, stated his involvement was motivated by his personal friendship with Park.
Timeline
Summer 2026: Team 61 investment in the Athletics was announced.
September 23, 2026: Ken Jeong discussed his investment on SportsCenter.
Season Trajectory
This ownership development marks a departure from traditional sports equity structures by incorporating international cultural figures. It signals an effort to elevate the brand profile of the Athletics as the team completes its transition to the Las Vegas market.
The influx of $70 million in capital provides the organization with additional liquidity as it continues preparations for its move to Las Vegas. This partnership does not impact the team's current on-field roster or daily operational management.
The takeaway
The entry of celebrity investors often signals a strategic push to modernize team marketing and expand the club's global audience. Prospective owners are increasingly looking toward international partnerships to diversify their influence in professional sports.
Further reading
For more information on team management and recent franchise developments, visit the Baseball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Las Vegas Review-Journal.
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