Netflix will make its first major play in Japanese live sports next spring, announcing an exclusive deal with World Baseball Classic, Inc. to stream every game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic to audiences across the country.
The partnership marks the first time Netflix will deliver live coverage of the tournament in Japan, offering subscribers access to all 47 games both live and on-demand. The move expands the streamer’s push into live sports, following experiments with events involving the NFL and WWE.
“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, Business & Media, Noah Garden said. “Together with Netflix, we are committed to continue making this an exciting and unifying World Baseball Classic for Japanese fans.”
For Netflix, the deal is a natural extension of its presence in millions of Japanese homes. Kaata Sakamoto, Vice President of Content for Netflix in Japan, called the agreement a chance to expand how fans experience the game.
“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,” Sakamoto said. “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 2026 tournament will be the sixth edition of the WBC and is scheduled to begin March 5 and 6 with pool play in Tokyo; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Houston; and Miami. Team Japan enters as the defending champion, having defeated Team USA in the 2023 final when Shohei Ohtani famously struck out Mike Trout to secure the nation’s third title.
Evan Kaplan, President of MLB Players, Inc., emphasized the significance of connecting Japanese fans with the international stage. “Players have a profound investment in expanding the game globally, as demonstrated by their participation in the World Baseball Classic and other international competitions,” Kaplan said. “The media partnership being announced today will provide fans in Japan access to one of the most exciting international competitions.”
The deal underscores Netflix’s growing ambitions in live sports, an area once viewed as outside its strategy. However, after testing one-off events, documentaries, and behind-the-scenes access with Major League Baseball, the streamer has shown an increasing willingness to invest in live coverage of marquee events.
With Japan’s deep passion for baseball, Netflix sees the World Baseball Classic as a chance to deliver a nationwide sports spectacle. The company has promised further details, including programming schedules and exclusive content, in the months leading up to the tournament.
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