2025 World Series Draws Largest Global Viewership in a Decade

The 2025 World Series isn’t just a championship showdown anymore—it’s a cultural event with worldwide buzz. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays have already set new viewership records in North America and overseas, hinting at baseball’s growing international pull.

With big-name stars, dramatic team stories, and a level playing field, this series has grabbed everyone’s attention. Honestly, it’s tough to remember the last time baseball felt this electric.

Record-Breaking Viewership

Games 1 and 2 drew over 20 million viewers in the U.S. and Canada. That’s the best opening in a decade.

The last time numbers came close was the 2016 Cubs vs. Guardians series, when breaking curses took over the headlines and pulled in massive audiences.

North American Numbers Surge

For Canadians, this series hits home. The Blue Jays haven’t been to the World Series since the early ’90s, so there’s a wave of pride and nostalgia right now.

About 15.9 million viewers in Canada tuned in for the first two games. That’s not just excitement—it hints at baseball clawing its way back into Canada’s sports spotlight, right alongside hockey.

International Interest at All-Time High

North America’s numbers are huge, but the international surge is something else. Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani has sparked a frenzy in Japan.

Viewership there averaged more than 10 million per game during the opening matchups. Ohtani clearly isn’t just a player—he’s a global phenomenon who draws in fans far beyond the usual baseball crowd.

Why Japan is Watching Closely

Ohtani’s presence has turned this World Series into a must-watch event in Japan. Baseball runs deep in Japanese culture, and Ohtani’s rare two-way talent keeps people glued to every pitch and at-bat.

Japanese broadcasters have gone all-in with extended coverage. Social media chatter has exploded, creating a massive online audience as well.

MLB’s Expanding Global Footprint

Major League Baseball officials point to these numbers as proof that the game’s global appeal is real. In recent years, MLB has ramped up streaming, scheduled more international exhibition games, and tailored marketing to new sports markets.

Setting Future Benchmarks

Some analysts think this World Series could set new standards for measuring baseball’s worldwide impact. If the games stay close and the tension holds, the audience could keep growing through all seven possible games.

This mix of star power and teams from different countries might just shape how MLB promotes itself going forward.

The Competitive Edge Keeps Fans Hooked

The series is tied at 2–2 as it heads to Game 5 in Los Angeles. That deadlock keeps everyone on edge—every game feels huge.

Each inning is packed with emotional weight and could shift the viewership even higher.

Key Factors Behind the Popularity Boom

What’s fueling the 2025 World Series ratings spike?

• Historic team narratives – Toronto is chasing its first title in decades, while Los Angeles tries to cement a modern dynasty.
• International superstar effect – Shohei Ohtani is pulling in millions of new fans from outside the usual baseball circles.
• Competitive balance – A tied series keeps everyone invested, pitch after pitch.
• Multi-platform accessibility – Streaming and global partners make it easier than ever to watch, so the audience isn’t just about TV anymore.

What This Means for Baseball’s Future

These numbers could shake things up for years. Advertisers, sponsors, and MLB execs are already picking apart the 2025 World Series for lessons on reaching bigger audiences.

It’s pretty clear that telling compelling stories and spotlighting global stars can push baseball into new territory—maybe even places we didn’t expect.

All Eyes on Los Angeles

The series heads back to Dodger Stadium, and anticipation’s through the roof. Fans from Tokyo to Toronto are buzzing—everyone’s wondering who’ll get the upper hand in this nail-biter.

Baseball’s holding its own, even with everyone’s attention split a thousand ways. With Ohtani in the spotlight and the Blue Jays finally back in the mix, MLB’s global future feels more exciting than ever.

 
Here is the source article for this story: World Series reaching largest global audience in a decade