Netflix to Stream 2026 World Baseball Classic Live From Japan

Netflix is moving deeper into live sports, signing a landmark deal to stream the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) in Japan. Japan’s a powerhouse in the tournament and, honestly, a crucial international growth market for the streaming giant.

With Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani leading a team that’s got a serious history of WBC wins, Netflix gets to tap into a super-passionate fan base. It’s also a chance to test whether a bigger partnership with Major League Baseball (MLB) could work—maybe even landing future events like the Home Run Derby.

Netflix Enters Baseball’s Global Stage

This new deal gives Netflix the rights to stream the 2026 WBC, but only for viewers in Japan. U.S. fans won’t find the tournament on Netflix, though the move feels like a pretty smart play for the company.

Japan’s a lucrative and fast-growing market for Netflix, and the WBC ranks among the country’s top sports events. The timing isn’t random, either.

Japan’s won three of the last five tournaments, including the most recent in 2023. Interest in the WBC has never been higher.

And with Shohei Ohtani—arguably the biggest name in baseball right now—front and center, the event’s pulling power is obvious.

Shohei Ohtani and Japan’s Winning Tradition

Ohtani’s a two-way phenom, excelling as both pitcher and hitter. He played a huge role in Japan’s 2023 WBC championship win, boosting the country’s dominance in the sport.

By landing the 2026 streaming rights, Netflix is betting on Ohtani’s star power and the team’s ongoing success. Japan’s WBC track record is wild: three titles in five tournaments show off not just skill, but a nationwide passion for baseball.

This energy gives Netflix a built-in audience for its first real baseball streaming venture.

Positioning for a Bigger MLB Partnership

Word is, Netflix might not stop with the WBC. The Athletic reports the company’s a frontrunner to grab exclusive rights to stream the Home Run Derby for the next three years.

That deal’s still being worked out, but it fits perfectly with the WBC move. It looks like Netflix is playing a smart, calculated game to get a bigger slice of MLB content.

MLB gets access to Netflix’s massive global reach and a younger, digital-first audience. Netflix, meanwhile, gets high-impact, live sports content—something that could help it stand out against both old-school broadcasters and other streamers.

Blending Sports Rights and Market Expansion

The WBC deal isn’t a one-off. Netflix has already locked in an NFL Christmas Day doubleheader, the next two FIFA Women’s World Cups, and a bunch of new weekly WWE shows.

By mixing global sports rights with targeted local investments, Netflix is building a flexible portfolio aimed at boosting subscriptions and viewer engagement. This blended approach lets Netflix tailor what it offers to each market, while still grabbing the universal appeal of major sports events.

The WBC streaming rights in Japan really show off this strategy.

What This Means for Sports Streaming

The WBC deal shows Netflix isn’t just dabbling in live sports—it’s thinking long-term. Other big streamers like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+ have rushed into sports, but Netflix has been more selective, picking huge events with real audience pull.

By starting its baseball journey in a country where the sport is woven into the culture, Netflix gives itself a strong shot at success. It’s also setting the stage for bigger rights talks in the future.

Key Takeaways

Here’s why the 2026 WBC deal matters for Netflix, MLB, and fans:

• Strategic Market Focus: Netflix is tapping into Japan’s deep baseball roots and the country’s love for its national team.
• Star Power: The tournament puts Shohei Ohtani, a global superstar, front and center in his home country.
• Future Potential: This could set the stage for even bigger MLB events, maybe even the Home Run Derby, to land on Netflix down the line.
• Sports Portfolio Expansion: Netflix keeps building its live sports lineup, adding this to NFL, FIFA Women’s World Cup, and WWE shows.
• Global Growth Strategy: They’re mixing global sports hype with local deals, aiming for both reach and relevance.

 
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