Picture: Shohei Ohtani playing for Japan at the 2023 World Baseball Classic
Netflix has taken more steps towards its live sports content by acquiring the exclusive rights to stream the 2026 World Baseball Classic for Japan. All 47 games from the tournament will be available to Japanese fans live and exclusively on Netflix. Here’s everything we know about the exciting development.
While baseball is known as “America’s favourite pastime” and one of the most popular sports in the United States, the same can be said for Japan. The sport was introduced to the Japanese in the 19th Century, and midway through the 20th century, Japan’s highest level of professional baseball, Nippon Professional Baseball, was founded. In recent history, some of the best players in the world have been Japanese, with the likes of Shohei Ohtani, Ichiro Suzuki, Yu Darvish, and Hideki Matsui applying their trade in America’s Major League Baseball.
Picture: Japan’s Tokyo Dome, one of the most iconic stadiums in baseball history, and the home of the Yomiuri Giants.
Thanks to the popularity of the sports across multiple nations, in 2006, the first World Baseball Classic took place, an international tournament and baseball’s equivalent to football’s FIFA World Cup.
The popularity and shared love of baseball between the baseballing nations eventually led to the establishment of the World Baseball Classic, an international tournament, and Baseball’s equivalent to football’s FIFA World Cup, in 2006. Japan has dominated the competition, winning the inaugural tournament in 2006 and successfully defending the title of world champions in 2009. It’d take another 14 years before they would win their third title in 2023, and to this day, remain the only country to have won multiple World Baseball Classics, with the US (2017) and Dominican Republic (2013) with one win each.
Picture: The Japanese Baseball team at the trophy ceremony for the 2023 World Baseball Classic – Sam Navarro/USA TODAY Sports
Suffice to say, the World Baseball Classic is a huge event for baseball fans, which makes it all the more impressive that Netflix has attained the exclusive rights to stream the tournament in Japan. All 47 games from the tournament will be available to Japanese audiences, and just like live sporting events hosted around the world, they come at no extra cost in the Netflix subscription.
The tournament starts on March 5 and will end by March 17, 2026. Cities such as Tokyo, Miami, Houston, and San Juan will be hosting games.
Noah Garden, MLB Deputy Commissioner, Business & Media, had the following to say about the partnership:
“This partnership demonstrates the growing popularity of the tournament, increasing interest in the event from global media companies and WBCI’s effort to engage with fans through innovative digital platforms. Netflix has already demonstrated remarkable success in live sports streaming globally. By joining forces with a leader in entertainment, we are not only honoring the tradition of baseball, but also embracing the future — ensuring that fans of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy the tournament in ways that fit their lives today. Together with Netflix, we are committed to continue making this an exciting and unifying World Baseball Classic for Japanese fans.”
Picture: Noah Garden, the MLB’s deputy commissioner for business and media. – Frank Franklin II / Associated Press
Kaata Sakamoto, Vice President of Content, Netflix in Japan, also shared his excitement about the partnership:
“We are honored to partner with WBCI as the new home for the World Baseball Classic in Japan. We are committed to ensuring all fans—whether lifelong supporters or new to the game—can experience the tournament in a way that fits their lives today. With Netflix already in millions of Japanese homes, 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, wherever they are. We look forward to working with leading Japanese partners to make the World Baseball Classic a true nationwide celebration, and to deliver innovative live entertainment for our members.”
Picture: Kaata Sakamoto (left) with director Aki Isoyama (right)
MLB Players, Inc. President Evan Kaplan also had the following to say about the partnership:
“Players have a profound investment in expanding the game globally, as demonstrated by their participation in the World Baseball Classic and other international competitions. Japanese fans have long shown remarkable passion for international baseball, and the World Baseball Classic represents one of the sport’s most unique stages, where the world’s top players compete for national pride. The media partnership being announced today will provide fans in Japan access to one of the most exciting international competitions and allow them to experience the enthusiasm and commitment that Players bring to the game on the global stage.”
Will the 2026 World Baseball Classic be available to stream on Netflix outside of Japan?
As it stands, no, only Netflix Japan will have access to all 47 games of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. In the United States, Fox Sports holds the rights to the World Baseball Classic. Fox Deportes is also available for Spanish audiences.
It’s unclear if Netflix will attempt to provide more countries with access to the 2026 World Baseball Classic. But we’ll learn more in the coming months. Currently, the only way to watch the 2026 World Baseball Classic is on Netflix Japan. While we don’t endorse the use of VPNs, that would be the only option available for non-Japanese subscribers. However, it’s unlikely an English audio option will be available.
Will you be watching the 2026 World Baseball Classic on Netflix? Let us know in the comments below!
