In a historic moment for baseball, the Los Angeles Dodgers have been crowned the best and most united team in the world, a prestigious accolade jointly awarded by ESPN, Netflix, and Guinness World Records. This recognition, announced on August 20, 2025, celebrates the Dodgersâ remarkable 2024 season, their eighth World Series title, and their unparalleled team cohesion. Adding to the celebration, the entire Dodgers roster received a special giftâa custom-designed commemorative ring, symbolizing their unity and dominance, presented during a star-studded ceremony at Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgersâ 2024 season was a masterclass in excellence. Finishing with a 111-51 record, tying the 1954 Cleveland Indians for the fourth-best single-season win total in modern MLB history, they dominated the National League West. Their postseason run culminated in a five-game World Series victory over the New York Yankees, highlighted by Freddie Freemanâs record-tying 12 RBIs and a walk-off grand slam in Game 1, evoking memories of Kirk Gibsonâs iconic 1988 homer. ESPN praised the Dodgersâ âensemble performance,â noting that their success was driven not by individual stars but by a collective effort, with 68 players contributing at least one bWAR since 2021, second only to the Houston Astros. Netflix, which streamed a behind-the-scenes documentary on the Dodgersâ season, lauded their camaraderie, showcasing off-field moments that bonded the team, from Mookie Bettsâ leadership to Shohei Ohtaniâs integration after his blockbuster signing. Guinness World Records certified the Dodgers as the âmost united team,â citing their ability to overcome injuries, integrate high-profile acquisitions like Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and maintain a positive clubhouse culture under manager Dave Roberts.
The Dodgersâ journey to this title began with strategic moves by the Guggenheim Baseball Management group, which has overseen 11 first-place finishes and two World Series titles since 2012. Their 2024 roster, blending stars like Freeman, Betts, and Ohtani with depth players like Gavin Lux and Miguel Rojas, exemplified their formula of star power plus depth. ESPNâs Jeff Passan noted that the Dodgersâ ability to outlast opponents, as seen in their Game 5 comeback against the Yankeesâ sloppy defense, underscored their resilience. The teamâs economic might, with a $5.45 billion franchise valuation according to Forbes, allowed them to sign seven players to nine-figure contracts, yet their success was rooted in player development and a robust farm system, ranked the strongest in MLB by ESPNâs Kiley McDaniel.
The special giftâa set of custom rings designed by a renowned Los Angeles jewelerâwas presented to every player, coach, and staff member during a packed ceremony attended by fans and broadcast live on ESPN and Netflix. Each ring features the Dodgersâ iconic blue, eight diamonds representing their World Series titles, and an inscription reading âUnity in Victory.â Ohtani, in his first season with the Dodgers after six playoff-less years with the Angels, called the ring âa symbol of what we built together.â Freeman, the World Series MVP, added, âThis team is special because everyone contributes, from the stars to the rookies. This ring belongs to all of us.â The ceremony also featured a video tribute from Netflixâs documentary, highlighting moments like Betts mentoring young players and Roberts fostering a culture of accountability.
This recognition cements the Dodgersâ status as a modern dynasty. Since moving to Los Angeles in 1958, they have won 12 National League pennants and eight World Series, tying the San Francisco Giants for the most championships among National League teams. Their fanbase, one of the largest in MLB, has propelled them to record-breaking attendance figures, including a world-record 115,300 fans at a 2008 exhibition game. The Dodgersâ global appeal, boosted by Ohtaniâs presence, drew 12.9 million Japanese viewers per World Series game, outpacing U.S. viewership in some instances. Their rivalry with the Giants and recent tensions with the Astros add to their storied legacy.
As the Dodgers prepare for the 2025 season, opening against the Chicago Cubs in Japan, they remain the team to beat. Verstappenâs earlier praise for former teammate Sergio PĂ©rez, now racing for Cadillac in F1, mirrors the respect the Dodgers command in baseball. This accolade and the commemorative rings will forever mark their 2024 season as a pinnacle of unity and excellence in sports history.