Netflix Enters the Baseball Realm with WBC Streaming Deal for Japan
Netflix is stepping onto the diamond with its recent agreement to stream the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), but with a unique twist: it’s focusing solely on the rights for Japan. This strategic move marks an important expansion in the streaming platform’s foray into live sports and signals a growing interest in baseball within the country.
Understanding the World Baseball Classic
The World Baseball Classic is organized by Major League Baseball (MLB) through its subsidiary, World Baseball Classic Inc., and is played in a tournament format where national teams compete for glory. The last WBC took place in 2023, culminating in an exhilarating showdown between Team Japan and Team USA. This high-stakes tournament has become a symbol of international competition and national pride among baseball fans.
Netflix’s Live Sports Strategy
With this deal, Netflix will become the first streaming service to offer live coverage of the WBC in Japan, promising to air all 47 games both live and on-demand. This bold venture is a part of Netflix’s broader strategy to solidify its footprint in the sports and events sector, seeking to capture a market that is increasingly hungry for live sports content. While Fox Sports has secured the TV and streaming rights in the U.S., Netflix aims to carve out a unique space in Japan’s vibrant sports landscape.
A Growing Relationship Between Netflix and MLB
Interestingly, this isn’t Netflix’s first engagement with baseball. The platform has previously partnered with MLB for various documentaries, showcasing the rich narratives and personalities surrounding the game. Furthermore, there are whispers that Netflix may be eyeing additional MLB events, including the Home Run Derby, which is poised to leave ESPN after the current season. This evolving relationship hints at Netflix’s ambition to become a significant player in the world of sports streaming.
The Japanese Market’s Enthusiasm for Baseball
Japan presents a particularly appealing market for the WBC deal. Following Team Japan’s remarkable victory in the 2023 WBC—led by superstar Shohei Ohtani, who famously struck out fellow player Mike Trout in a nail-biting finale—the tournament captured the hearts of millions. Reporting from the Sports Business Journal highlighted that six out of seven of Team Japan’s games drew over 30 million viewers, showcasing enthusiasm that rivals major U.S. sporting events like the Super Bowl. In comparison, the championship game in the U.S. attracted a significantly lower viewership, underscoring the immense popularity of baseball in Japan.
Voices from the MLB and Netflix
Noah Garden, MLB’s deputy commissioner for business and media, expressed optimism about this partnership, recognizing it as a testament to the WBC’s rising global appeal. "This partnership demonstrates the growing popularity of the tournament," he noted. By collaborating with a leading entertainment platform, the aim is to engage fans through innovative digital avenues, ensuring accessibility across different age groups and backgrounds.
On the flip side, Kaata Sakamoto, Netflix’s VP of content in Japan, emphasized the platform’s commitment to enriching the game-viewing experience for fans. "With Netflix already in millions of Japanese homes," he stated, "we are excited to deliver a new kind of viewing experience that brings fans even closer to the action, the players, and the heart of the tournament."
A Nationwide Celebration of Baseball
With this partnership, both Netflix and MLB are looking to blend tradition with innovation, creating a viewing experience that resonates with baseball enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The goal is not just to broadcast games but to cultivate a nationwide celebration of the sport, enhancing community engagement through exciting live entertainment options.
In summary, Netflix’s foray into the baseball domain with the 2026 World Baseball Classic streaming rights symbolizes not only a strategic business move but also reflects the growing cultural phenomena surrounding baseball in Japan. As fans prepare for this sporting event, the excitement is palpable, promising a new chapter in how viewers engage with one of America’s favorite pastimes on a global stage.