Netflix will stream every game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic exclusively for viewers in Japan, Major League Baseball announced Monday.
The news comes as Netflix is reportedly on the verge of entering the MLB fray by picking up the U.S. rights for the Home Run Derby as part of the league’s restructured media package.
Fans in Japan — the reigning WBC champions from 2023 — will turn to Netflix for coverage of the tournament to be played March 5-17 in Tokyo, Miami, Houston and San Juan, Puerto Rico. It’s the first live event Netflix will stream in Japan.
“This partnership demonstrates the growing popularity of the tournament, increasing interest in the event from global media companies and (World Baseball Classic, Inc.’s) effort to engage with fans through innovative digital platforms,” MLB deputy commissioner for business and media Noah Garden said in a statement.
“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.”
Fox carried the 2023 World Baseball Classic in the U.S. and is a likely destination for the media rights to the 2026 tournament.
Multiple reports last week revealed there is a framework agreement in place for Major League Baseball’s next media deal, after ESPN opted out of the current agreement earlier this year. “Sunday Night Baseball” and the wild-card round would move from ESPN to NBC, ESPN would license MLB TV in order to sell out-of-market games and Netflix would get the Home Run Derby for $50 million annually.
–Field Level Media
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