Netflix locks up rights to World Baseball Classic in Japan
Netflix locks up rights to World Baseball Classic in Japan
The streamer will be the exclusive broadcast partner of the WBC in Japan starting in 2026.
To say that baseball has taken over Japan is something of an understatement. Baseball is the top spectator sport in the country, and Netflix is taking advantage of the popularity of baseball in Japan with its latest sports rights acquisition; Major League Baseball announced on Monday that Netflix had purchased the rights to stream the World Baseball Classic in Japan, locking up a marquee event in an area where it’s sure to attract a vast audience.
Key Details:
- Round the bases: Netflix will stream all 47 games of the WBC in Japan in 2026.
- Keep it at home: Japan will attempt to defend its WBC title in 2026.
- Not outfoxed: In the United States, the WBC will continue to air on Fox channels in 2026.
Starting in 2026, Netflix will stream all 47 games of the World Baseball Classic live in Japan. Games will be available to stream on demand once they conclude, and there will be no extra cost to stream the WBC on any Netflix plan using any device that can stream the service.
It’s the first time the WBC will stream on Netflix, which is building its lineup of live sports properties. The service will stream two NFL games on Christmas Day once again in 2025, and reports indicate Netflix is also closing in on a deal to stream the Home Run Derby in the United States. The World Baseball Classic fits nicely with Netflix’s desire to offer live sports it can turn into major viewing events.
“This partnership demonstrates the growing popularity of the tournament, increasing interest in the event from global media companies and WBCI’s effort to engage with fans through innovative digital platforms,” MLB deputy commissioner Noah Garden said. “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. Together with Netflix, we are committed to continue making this an exciting and unifying World Baseball Classic for Japanese fans.”
The World Baseball Classic will bring together elite national baseball teams from around the world. It’s highly anticipated by fans every year, and in 2026, Team Japan will attempt to defend its championship title claimed in 2023, when it defeated the United States 3-2 in dramatic fashion.
“We are honored to partner with WBCI as the new home for the World Baseball Classic in Japan,” VP for Netflix in Japan Kaata Sakamoto said. “We are committed to ensuring all fans—whether lifelong supporters or new to the game—can experience the tournament in a way that fits their lives today. With Netflix already in millions of Japanese homes, we are excited to deliver a new kind of viewing experience that brings fans even closer to the action, the players, and the heart of the tournament, wherever they are. We look forward to working with leading Japanese partners to make the World Baseball Classic a true nationwide celebration, and to deliver innovative live entertainment for our members.”
Netflix
Netflix is a leading subscription-based video streaming service that offers on-demand access to an extensive library of over 3,000 movies, 2,000+ TV shows, and a growing collection of acclaimed Netflix originals. Renowned for producing groundbreaking content, Netflix has become a cultural powerhouse with hit originals like “Stranger Things,” “Wednesday,” “Squid Game,” “The Crown,” “Tiger King,” “Bridgerton,” “The Witcher,” and “Black Mirror.”