Netflix Wins Japan Streaming Rights for 2026 World Baseball Classic

The 2026 World Baseball Classic is about to crank up the energy for Japanese baseball fans. Netflix doesn’t want anyone to miss a pitch this time.

For the first time, the streaming giant snagged exclusive rights to show all 47 tournament games live and on-demand in Japan. It’s a move that hints at Netflix’s bigger ambitions in live sports—and maybe even a shift in how people around the world tune into international baseball.

Netflix Steps Up to the Plate in Live Sports

The World Baseball Classic (WBC) has been a global showcase for top baseball talent since 2006. Major League Baseball (MLB) and the MLB Players Association run the event together, giving fans an Olympic-style tournament for the sport.

Now, Netflix is jumping in to broadcast the WBC in Japan. It’s a bold play in their evolving sports strategy, and honestly, it feels like a big deal.

Building on a Growing Sports Portfolio

This isn’t Netflix’s first dip into the sports world. Over the past few years, they’ve signed deals to stream NFL Christmas Day games and built buzz with sports documentaries that pull back the curtain on athletes’ lives.

There’s even talk that Netflix wants the rights to MLB’s Home Run Derby, but so far, nothing’s official. Still, you can see where their interests are headed.

The Details of the 2026 WBC Deal

Netflix will stream every single game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic for Japanese viewers. That’s 47 games, all available live and on-demand.

Fans can catch everything—from the first pitch to the final out—without switching platforms or channels.

Dates, Locations, and Format

The sixth WBC runs from March 5–6, 2026 all the way through the finals. This edition will see 20 teams split into four pools for the first round.

Games will be played in four cities:

• Tokyo, Japan
• San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Houston, USA
• Miami, USA

It’s a lineup that really shows off the tournament’s international reach. Fans from all over can find something to root for.

Bringing Japanese Fans Closer to the Action

Kaata Sakamoto, Netflix’s VP of content in Japan, says streaming the WBC isn’t just about making it easy to watch—it’s about turning it into a nationwide party. With games on living room TVs, phones, or honestly, anywhere with a screen, Netflix wants everyone in Japan to feel like they’re part of the moment.

Defending Champions Add Drama

Team Japan heads into the 2026 WBC as defending champs. That alone adds a ton of buzz for local fans.

With familiar stars and new faces likely on the roster, there’s plenty to look forward to. Netflix will make sure nobody misses the action.

MLB’s Digital Innovation Push

MLB deputy commissioner Noah Garden called the Netflix deal a mix of baseball’s long history and the kind of digital innovation today’s viewers want. As streaming becomes the go-to for entertainment, baseball’s move online feels less like a gamble and more like a smart step to reach new fans.

A Win-Win for Baseball and Streaming

The WBC on Netflix could end up as a template for future sports streaming deals. MLB gets a boost in visibility, and Netflix taps into one of the world’s most baseball-crazy audiences.

Looking Ahead

The countdown to the 2026 World Baseball Classic is on. Netflix now has broadcasting rights in Japan, and honestly, that could totally change how people there watch the tournament.

Sports fans are probably thrilled. The streaming wars just got a new twist—this is happening fast.

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Here is the source article for this story: Netflix Takes New Swing With Japanese Rights to 2026 World Baseball Classic