Starz is reportedly finalizing an agreement to develop a scripted series focusing on the Shohei Ohtani gambling scandal, involving the Los Angeles Dodgers star and his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. Mizuhara is currently serving a 57-month prison sentence for bank fraud and filing false tax returns, highlighting the serious legal consequences tied to the case.
The project was initially announced in May 2024 by Lionsgate Television, with Variety now reporting that Starz is near a deal to bring the story to television. Alex Convery is set to write the series, marking his television writing debut, while Scott Delman and Albert Chen will produce. Convery previously scripted the film Air, starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Chen brings a strong sports journalism background, having worked as a senior editor at Sports Illustrated and contributor to MLB Network, and is known as co-creator and co-host of the podcast All American.
Development History and Narrative Focus
The series will chronicle Shohei Ohtani’s rise to fame, leading to a landmark 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers—the largest in American sports history—before the scandal involving Ippei Mizuhara emerged just as the 2024 MLB season began. This controversy threatens to overshadow Ohtani’s celebrated career and legacy.
Albert Chen emphasized the significance of this story, stating,
“This is major league baseball’s biggest sports gambling scandal since Pete Rose – and at its center is its biggest star, one that MLB has hitched its wagon on.”
He added,
“We’ll get to the heart of the story – a story of trust, betrayal and the trappings of wealth and fame.”
Producer Scott Delman remarked on the partnership with Lionsgate Television:
“With a strong track record of creating daring, boundary-pushing series, Lionsgate Television is the perfect partner to bring this unbelievable story to the screen. In addition, Albert’s extensive sports journalism background will enable us to connect the dots to make sense of the startling turn of events we’ve seen play out on the world stage.”
While Variety notes that Starz representatives declined to comment, the move comes after Starz’s recent separation from Lionsgate in May 2024, establishing itself as an independent company.
The Consequences Following the Gambling Controversy
Ippei Mizuhara, as revealed through legal proceedings, impersonated Ohtani on approximately 24 occasions to illegally transfer money from the baseball star’s bank accounts. As part of his plea agreement, Mizuhara was ordered to pay nearly $17 million in restitution to Ohtani. The athlete maintained he was unaware of the theft and faced no disciplinary action from Major League Baseball.
The scandal also implicated the Resorts World casino in Las Vegas, which was fined $10.5 million for its role in a money laundering scheme connected to Mizuhara. This penalty stands as the second-largest fine ever imposed in Nevada state history, reflecting the severity of the incident.
Implications for Baseball and Sports Media
The upcoming Shohei Ohtani gambling scandal series will provide an intense exploration of betrayal and corruption in professional sports, focusing on one of baseball’s most celebrated figures. Given MLB’s reliance on Ohtani as a marquee player, the scandal’s resolution and public perception could shape the future handling of integrity issues within the league.
With seasoned producers and a writer experienced in portraying complex, real-world stories, the series aims to offer viewers a deep and compelling look at the fallout from greed and deception. As negotiations with Starz advance, the project symbolizes a growing interest in dramatizing contemporary sports controversies and their impact on fandom, trust, and fame.