Who Owns Los Angeles Dodgers?

The Los Angeles Dodgers have implemented comprehensive sustainability initiatives as part of Major League Baseball's environmental responsibility programs. During the 2023 season, the Dodgers made significant strides in waste reduction and environmental stewardship through systematic sustainability efforts.

The Dodgers donated 14,040 pounds of food (approximately 40,588 items) to the Midnight Mission, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization serving the homeless community. This food recovery program significantly reduces food waste while providing essential support to vulnerable populations in the Los Angeles area.

In recycling and waste management, the Dodgers collected 35,740 pounds of aluminum and 19,110 pounds of plastic for recycling, ensuring these materials were diverted from landfills. The team also recycled 264,300 pounds of cardboard and 108,090 pounds of pallets, demonstrating comprehensive waste diversion across all stadium operations. Additionally, the Dodgers recycled 228,250 pounds of concessions equipment, signage, and office furniture, extending their sustainability commitment beyond daily game operations.

The Dodgers participate in MLB Green Initiatives, which include educational components for fans. The organization distributes sustainability educational materials and implements green practices throughout Dodger Stadium. These efforts align with broader MLB sustainability goals, including waste reduction targets, energy efficiency improvements, and community engagement programs focused on environmental responsibility.

The Los Angeles Dodgers organization and its foundation have received recognition for their community engagement and philanthropic efforts. In 2017, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation received the California Park & Recreation Society (CPRS) Service Award of Excellence as Champion of the Community, acknowledging the foundation's outstanding contributions to community development and recreational programs in Los Angeles.

The Dodgers Foundation has been recognized for its innovative grantmaking approach and community investment strategies. In 2026, the foundation implemented a letter-of-intent grantmaking process designed to streamline access to funding, build sustainable partnerships, and apply capacity-building principles to philanthropy. This approach has been noted as a model for sports franchise foundations seeking to maximize community impact.

On-field performance has also garnered recognition, with multiple Dodgers players receiving All-Star selections, Silver Slugger Awards, and Gold Glove Awards in recent seasons. The team's competitive success and community engagement have contributed to maintaining its status as one of Major League Baseball's premier franchises.

The Dodgers organization faced a significant controversy in March 2024 involving Shohei Ohtani's interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. The controversy centered on allegations of massive theft, with at least $4.5 million in wire transfers sent from Ohtani's bank account to a bookmaking operation under federal investigation. Mizuhara, who served as Ohtani's longtime friend and interpreter, was fired after the allegations came to light.

The incident began when reporters questioned wire transfers from Ohtani's account to an associate of Southern California bookmaker Mathew Bowyer. Initially, a spokesman for Ohtani indicated that Ohtani had transferred funds to cover Mizuhara's gambling debts. However, this account was later disavowed, with Ohtani's lawyers stating that Shohei had been the victim of a massive theft and that the matter was being turned over to authorities.

Federal investigators examined the illegal bookmaking operation, which dealt directly with Mizuhara starting in 2021. Sources confirmed that Ohtani does not gamble on sports, and the funds were used to cover Mizuhara's losses on international soccer matches and other sports (but not baseball). The controversy raised questions about internal financial controls and vetting procedures for team personnel with access to players' financial information.

The organization handled the crisis by promptly terminating Mizuhara's employment and cooperating with federal authorities. Ohtani was not accused of any wrongdoing, and the Dodgers organization implemented enhanced financial oversight protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.