Netflix has secured the Japanese media rights to stream all 47 games of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, a surprise move that puts the streamer at the center of international baseball coverage. The deal, announced Aug. 25 and confirmed by Variety, sends the tournament live and on-demand to Netflix subscribers in Japan beginning March 5–6, 2026. That’s a major expansion of Netflix’s sports bets after recent NFL and documentary pushes; it could accelerate live-sports experimentation and advertising tie-ins in Japan, industry execs say.
What Netflix’s New 47-Game WBC Deal Means For Japanese Fans
Netflix Secured Japanese Rights To Stream All 47 Games Of The 2026 World Baseball Classic.
The Tournament Starts March 5–6, 2026, With Pools In Tokyo, San Juan, Houston, And Miami.
MLB Says The Deal Will Use Digital Platforms To Engage Younger Audiences, Per Noah Garden.
Kaata Sakamoto, Netflix Japan VP, Promised Nationwide Coverage With Local Partners.
The Event Features 20 Teams; Japan Enters As Defending Champion.
Why Netflix’s 2026 WBC Rights Could Shift Live Sports In Japan By 2026
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Netflix stepping into the WBC market matters because the company will deliver every match live and on-demand to Japanese homes — a different distribution model from traditional broadcasters. The tournament’s timing (early March 2026) also overlaps with pre-season baseball buzz and gives Netflix a national live-event moment in Japan. If Netflix pairs this with localized promos and short-form highlights, it could pull younger viewers away from linear TV and force rights owners to value streaming-first bids more highly.
Who Reacted To The Netflix WBC Deal And Why Their Lines Matter
“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,” said Noah Garden, MLB deputy commissioner for business and media. Kaata Sakamoto, Netflix Japan VP, added, “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.”
What The Streaming Data And Industry Moves Reveal About Sports Rights In 2025–2026
Streaming platforms have aggressively pursued marquee events in 2025, and Netflix’s WBC move follows its NFL experiments and documentary success. Live sports drive subscriptions spikes and long viewing sessions; with 47 games to monetize, Netflix gains inventory for ad partnerships and premium event promos in Japan. For rights holders, this deal signals that global streamers view localized rights as strategic footholds rather than mere add-ons. If viewership metrics land strong, expect more tournament- or league-specific streaming bids across Asia.
Key Numbers Behind Netflix’s 47-Game WBC Deal In Japan 2026
| Metric |
Value + Unit |
Change/Impact |
| Games To Stream |
47 games |
Live & On-Demand For Japan |
| Teams |
20 teams |
Sixth Edition; Global Field |
| Start Date |
March 5–6, 2026 |
Pools In Tokyo, San Juan, Houston, Miami |
Netflix Gains A National Live-Event Moment With Extensive Game Inventory To Monetize.
What Comes Next For Fans, Rights Holders, And Advertisers After This Deal
Expect localized production announcements, highlights and short-form clips tuned to Japanese viewers, and partnership tie-ins with broadcasters or sponsors on the ground. Fans should look for schedule, commentator, and language options from Netflix Japan; advertisers will watch early viewing figures to price inventory for March 2026. For MLB and WBC organizers, this is proof that streaming-first rights can coexist with traditional media in strategic markets — and a test case for future global sublicensing.
Sources
- https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/netflix-major-league-baseball-2026-world-baseball-classic-1236498061/
- https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6574987/2025/08/25/netflix-world-baseball-classic/
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Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.
