When Dan Dakich, host of OutKick’s “Don’t @ Me” and former ESPN basketball analyst stormed onto The Ingraham Angle on October 16, 2025, he didn’t just raise an eyebrow—he demanded the person who signed a "woke" sponsorship for the Los Angeles Dodgers be "FIRED" on the spot.
Background on the Dodgers' ownership
The franchise, officially known as Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball Club, sits at 1000 Vin Scully Avenue, Los Angeles, California. Since 2012, the team has been owned by Guggenheim Baseball Management LLC, a consortium led by chairman Todd Boehly and president Stan Kasten. The Boehly‑Kasten era bought the club for a record $2.15 billion, a price that still rings in the cash registers of MLB owners.
Dakich's fiery appearance on The Ingraham Angle
During a 5‑minute, 52‑second segment that aired at 7:00 PM Eastern, Dakich shared the stage with Laura Ingraham, the long‑time host of the Fox News primetime show, and former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya. Both co‑hosts echoed Dakich’s outrage, labeling the partnership as a politically‑motivated cash grab that betrayed "classic" baseball values.
What the unnamed sponsorship might entail
The report never disclosed the brand involved, but timeline clues suggest it was struck during the 2025 MLB postseason—when “just four teams remain, with the Fall Classic inching closer,” according to Fox News Sports. Analysts speculate the deal could have been with a progressive‑leaning tech firm or a social‑justice nonprofit, both of which have been courting high‑visibility sports partners to reach younger demographics.
- Postseason timing: October 16, 2025, with the World Series slated for later that week.
- Potential partner profile: Companies emphasizing ESG (environmental, social, governance) metrics.
- Financial impact: No figures released, but Dodgers’ annual sponsorship revenue exceeds $40 million.
Reactions from the sports and media world
Fans took to social media in droves. The hashtag #FireDodgersExec trended briefly on Twitter, while longtime Dodgers supporters argued the backlash was overblown. Meanwhile, Fox News highlighted the segment as “top breaking news,” slotting it between a morning show and a commentary from former NFL player Damien Harris.
Industry insiders note that the Dodgers have previously inked deals with entertainment giants like Disney and Nike, none of which sparked such partisan fire. "The reaction is less about the money and more about the cultural narrative," said John Stevens, a senior analyst at SportsBiz Insights.
Potential ramifications for the franchise
If the Dodgers’ front office chooses to replace the unnamed executive, it could set a precedent for other clubs. A swift termination might appease the conservative fan base, but it could also scare off future partners looking for “progress‑friendly” alliances. Conversely, keeping the deal could alienate a growing segment of the market that values social responsibility.
Legal experts warn that firing an executive without clear contractual cause could trigger a severance battle worth millions. "The Dodgers’ ownership will have to weigh public opinion against potential litigation," noted Emily Rivera, a sports‑law attorney based in Los Angeles.
What’s next for the controversy?
All eyes now turn to the next episode of OutKick, where Dakich is likely to double‑down on his demand. Meanwhile, the Dodgers are expected to release an official statement by the end of the week, either defending the partnership or quietly dropping the unnamed sponsor before the World Series kicks off.
In any case, the episode underscores a broader shift: sports franchises are no longer just about wins and losses; they’re battlegrounds for cultural wars that play out on TV cable, social feeds, and boardrooms alike.
Key Facts
- Dan Dakich called for the responsible executive’s firing on Oct 16, 2025.
- The controversy erupted during the 2025 MLB postseason.
- Ownership: Guggenheim Baseball Management led by Todd Boehly and Stan Kasten.
- Fox News aired the segment on The Ingraham Angle at 7 PM ET.
- OutKick, the platform behind Dakich’s podcast, was acquired by Fox Corporation in 2022 for $125 million.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which sponsorship is Dan Dakich referring to?
The Fox report never named the partner, but insiders suspect it involves a socially‑conscious tech or entertainment company that signed a deal during the 2025 postseason, a period when the Dodgers were seeking fresh revenue streams.
How might this controversy affect the Dodgers' World Series chances?
On the field, the dispute is unlikely to change player performance. Off the field, a distracted front office could impact marketing and fan engagement, potentially reducing game‑day revenue during the Fall Classic.
What does the demand for a firing signal about fan sentiment?
It shows a growing segment of the fan base is sensitive to perceived "woke" branding. These fans view any political overtones as a betrayal of traditional sports culture and are willing to call for drastic personnel changes.
Could the Dodgers face legal trouble if they fire the executive?
Potentially. Executive contracts often include severance clauses and non‑compete provisions. A termination without cause could lead to a lawsuit seeking millions in damages, which the team would likely want to avoid during the postseason.
What’s next for Dan Dakich after this segment?
Dakich will probably double‑down on his stance in the next episode of his "Don’t @ Me" podcast, using the platform to keep pressure on Dodgers management and rally his politically‑conservative audience.