SUGA has long been known for his deep-rooted pαѕѕion for sports — especially basketball and baseball. In 2023, he was even appointed as an official ambαѕѕador for the NBA, where he had the chance to meet legendary players like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Luka Dončić.
But SUGA’s love for baseball runs even deeper — tracing back to the days before his debut with BTS. He's frequently shared stories with fans about memorable baseball games, and his support for the Daegu-based team, Samsung Lions, has been well documented.
His iconic baseball jersey featuring the numbers 93 has since become a symbol among fans.
Recently, SUGA even has taken his love for the sport to the next level — turning it into a personal investment. According to reports, SUGA has become a shareholder of the Athletics (formerly known as the Oakland Athletics), a Major League Baseball (MLB) team famously depicted in the film "Moneyball".
On July 4, кσяєαn media outlets reported that SUGA joined a $70 million (approx. 95.5 billion KRW) investment fund led by legendary кσяєαn pitcher Park Chan-ho and management company Team61. The fund is designated to purchase newly issued shares from the Athletics. Upon completion of the investment, they will hold an estimated 2–3% stake in the team.
Alongside SUGA and Park Chan Ho, several high-profile investors have joined the venture, including Lee Man-deuk (Chairman of Samchully Group), Hwang In-sun (CEO of Ascend Partners), and Mike Joo (Global COO of Bank of αмєяι¢α Merrill Lynch’s Investment Banking Division).
Founded in 1901 by legendary MLB manager and owner Connie Mack, the Athletics are one of baseball’s most storied franchises, having won the World Series nine times. However, recent years have seen the team fall on hard times.
Dubbed a “poverty team” in the MLB due to their chronic underperformance and budget constraints, the Athletics have struggled to attract top-tier talent and currently sit at the bottom of the αмєяι¢αn League West Division this season. Fan turnout has also plummeted, with an average home game attendance of just 11,528 in 2024 — the lowest among all 30 MLB teams.
In a bid to revive the franchise, the Athletics have made the bold decision to relocate from Oakland — their home since 1968 — to Las Vegas. Backed by a mαѕѕive $1.75 billion (approx. 2.4 trillion KRW) stadium relocation project, the team aims to complete the move by 2028.
The Athletics plan to rebuild a strong fanbase in Las Vegas and revamp their financial structure in hopes of returning to championship contention. As the team’s performance improves and fan engagement grows, so too does the potential for a significant return on investment — making it clear why SUGA, alongside Park Chan-ho and other heavyweights, decided to get on board.
News of this υиєχρє¢тє∂ collaboration — between the century-old MLB franchise, South кσяєα’s most iconic sports legend, and BTS’s SUGA, one of the nation's most treasured musicians — has sparked a wave of excitement online. Netizens are eagerly anticipating the transformation of the Athletics under this new partnership.
Meanwhile, ARMYs (BTS fans) expressed both surprise and delight at SUGA’s bold move into professional sports investment, cheering on this υиєχρє¢тє∂ yet impressive new chapter in his career:
- So, I hate baseball but I guess I am an A's fan now just because of big boss SUGA
- oh MLB trading cards about to get real competitive... <insert army>
- he just set up a therapy centre with 5 B won and now this?!?!!??? How rich is our man!!!!
- My spidey sense...is REALLY starting to hum.
- Never thought I’d attend a pro baseball game but here I am looking to see how much tickets cost
- He’s becoming more involved in sports. Congrats on your business
- Interesting move for кσяєαn cultural influence in MLB.
- It just shows how Yoongi doesn't give a d*mn on boycotting him on TV or whatever. It feels like he says "I do what I can do to help the need n I move on with my life n business." You are COOL Min Yoongi
- This man is rich !? Oh my goodnessssss Sugaaaa Mary me !!
- Damn.. how rich is our little guy. I shoupd not be surprised but holy wow
