Sun Sep 14 05:10:00 UTC 2025: **Headline: Netflix Secures Exclusive Rights to Next WBC, Leaving Terrestrial TV Behind**
**Tokyo, Japan** – In a move shaking up the sports broadcasting landscape, Netflix has secured the exclusive rights to broadcast the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) in Japan. The deal, reportedly worth a staggering 15 billion yen, means that for the first time, the tournament will not be available on terrestrial television.
The development has sparked outrage and disappointment, particularly among traditional broadcasters like Yomiuri, who have historically played a key role in promoting and broadcasting the WBC in Japan. Yomiuri, organizers of the Tokyo pool games, expressed frustration at being bypassed in the negotiations between Major League Baseball (MLB), the overarching owner of the WBC, and Netflix. Sources within the organization say they feel “betrayed” by MLB after years of investing heavily in the tournament’s success.
The WBC has become a national event in Japan, with the 2023 tournament, featuring stars like Shohei Ohtani, drawing record-breaking viewership on terrestrial channels. Previous broadcasting rights were significantly cheaper, with networks struggling to turn a substantial profit.
The shift to Netflix signals a new era for sports broadcasting in Japan, with MLB aiming to capitalize on the growing popularity of streaming services and maximize the tournament’s commercial potential. It remains to be seen how the absence of terrestrial coverage will affect viewership and the overall cultural impact of the WBC in Japan.
First Piper 