Home Runs to Hawaiian Headaches: Shohei Ohtani & Agent Hit With $240M Lawsuit
- Jomanda Heng
- Aug 18
- 2 min read
Shohei Ohtani—the MLB’s two-way superstar, MVP, and face of the Los Angeles Dodgers—might soon find himself in a setting far from the pitcher’s mound: a courtroom in Hawaii.
A lawsuit filed in Hawaii Circuit Court alleges that Ohtani and his agent, Nez Balelo, sabotaged a $240 million luxury housing project along the Hapuna Coast known as The Vista at Mauna Kea Resort. The plaintiffs, real estate developer Kevin J. Hayes Sr. and broker Tomoko Matsumoto, claim the pair used Ohtani’s brand power to have them removed from the deal without cause, in a move they describe as “tortious interference” and “unjust enrichment” .
The Allegations
According to court documents, Hayes and Matsumoto were instrumental in launching The Vista, a high-end development of 14 ultra-luxury homes, each averaging $17.3 million. They allege that Ohtani was brought in solely for promotional value—his name, image, and plans for a personal home and training facility on the property intended to boost the project’s prestige .
However, the lawsuit claims that Balelo made escalating demands on behalf of Ohtani and threatened to withdraw his endorsement unless Hayes and Matsumoto were ousted. Kingsbarn Realty Capital, another partner in the project, allegedly fired the plaintiffs to “appease Balelo,” despite admitting their work was satisfactory.
Where Ohtani Stands
While Ohtani’s name is on the lawsuit, his exact role in the alleged interference remains unclear. One of the plaintiffs’ attorneys, Joshua I. Schiller, has suggested that Ohtani himself may not have been aware of his agent’s actions, raising the possibility that Balelo acted without his client’s knowledge.
Ohtani had reportedly chosen a lot for his future home, planned on living at the resort, and intended to build a private baseball training facility there . If the allegations prove true, it could be a case of celebrity association turning from asset to liability.
The lawsuit states:
“This case is about abuse of power… Defendants must be held accountable for their actions, not shielded by fame.”
The timing is noteworthy—Ohtani is still fresh from the fallout of his former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara’s conviction for embezzling $17 million from him. That case highlighted the risks of misplaced trust in close associates; this one could push the conversation toward how elite athletes vet their agents and business partners .
Ohtani’s image as a clean-cut, hardworking athlete is one of his most valuable assets, fueling endorsement deals and his global marketability. If this lawsuit gains traction, the damage might extend beyond legal costs to brand partnerships and public perception.
For sports and entertainment figures, this case serves as a reminder that fame can open doors—but also attract high-stakes legal battles when business ventures sour.
References:
The Uncommon Breed
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