Netflix Streams World Baseball Classic Exclusively in Japan

The sports streaming landscape in Japan is about to change. Netflix just grabbed exclusive rights to stream the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) in the country.

This is Netflix’s first real step into live sports in Japan. It shows they’re serious about tapping into Japan’s deep love for baseball.

Japan’s still buzzing from its wild championship win in 2023, led by Shohei Ohtani. Fans are already looking ahead to the next tournament, and Netflix wants to be right in the thick of it.

Netflix’s First Live Sports Venture in Japan

Netflix has slowly been building its sports content worldwide, but this WBC deal is a big leap. It’ll be their first time bringing a live sporting event directly to Japanese viewers.

Baseball isn’t just a game in Japan—it’s woven into the culture. Major tournaments pull TV audiences that rival the Super Bowl in the U.S.

Why the World Baseball Classic is a Perfect Fit

The World Baseball Classic is run by Major League Baseball (MLB) and the MLB Players Association. The tournament brings together the world’s best players, all competing for their countries.

In 2023, Japan’s team, pushed by Ohtani, beat Team USA in a thrilling final. That tournament left a serious mark on fans.

Six of Japan’s seven games in 2023 drew over 30 million viewers each. That’s wild compared to the U.S., where the WBC championship averaged just over 5 million.

There’s something about national pride, star players, and tight games that makes the WBC a dream event for streaming platforms chasing huge live audiences.

Details of the Netflix–WBC Agreement

Netflix will stream all 47 games of the 2026 tournament live and on-demand for viewers in Japan. Japanese fans can catch every pitch, hit, and home run right on Netflix, whether they’re watching live or catching up later.

Global Rights Landscape

Netflix’s deal covers only Japan. Fox Sports still has the WBC broadcasting rights in the United States.

This setup doesn’t change anything for American viewers. But honestly, it might give Netflix a chance to test the waters for jumping into other live sports markets.

• 47 games streamed live and on-demand to Japanese audiences
• Exclusive rights in Japan — no other broadcaster will air the games domestically
• Fox Sports keeps coverage in the United States

MLB and Netflix’s Shared Vision

MLB execs seem genuinely happy about the partnership. They see it as a step toward modernizing how fans connect with the tournament and boosting its global reputation.

Netflix says it’s all in on delivering a rich viewing experience, combining its streaming tech with one of Japan’s favorite sporting events.

A Game-Changer for Sports Streaming

This partnership could really shake up how live sports get delivered in Japan. For years, terrestrial and pay-TV networks have owned live sports broadcasting.

If Netflix pulls this off, maybe more streaming platforms will start chasing exclusive deals for big sporting events.

It also points to Netflix’s wider strategy of mixing up its content. With streaming competition heating up, landing huge live sports events might help them keep subscribers—and even pull in new ones, especially where sports are a big deal.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The excitement for the 2026 WBC is already building among Japanese fans. Ohtani’s still in his prime, and there’s a wave of fresh talent coming up.

Japan wants to defend its crown on home soil. Millions are hoping for another run that captures everyone’s imagination.

For Netflix, this isn’t just another broadcasting deal. It feels like a bold step into a new corner of the Japanese entertainment world.

If it works, the WBC might just be the start—maybe we’ll see more live sports landing on the world’s biggest streaming platform.

Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan or just someone caught up in the national buzz, the 2026 WBC is shaping up to be huge in Japan. And now, with Netflix, it’s basically just a click away.

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Here is the source article for this story: Netflix Inks Streaming Deal for World Baseball Classic … But Only in Japan