Targeting Ohtani's Popularity: The Shock of Netflix's Exclusive Streaming of the 2026 WBC in Japan, While It's Available on TV in the U.S.

The 6th World Baseball Classic (WBC), scheduled for March 2026, will be exclusively live-streamed in Japan by Netflix, covering all 47 games with on-demand replays available. This marks the first time Netflix will handle live sports in Japan. The tournament will take place in four cities: Tokyo, Miami, Houston, and San Juan, with Samurai Japan competing to defend their title. In contrast, in the United States, the games are expected to be broadcast on television via FOX, creating a stark difference in viewing environments, as Japan will rely solely on streaming without terrestrial broadcasts. This shift is driven by the skyrocketing rights fees following the record-breaking viewership and excitement of the 2023 tournament, alongside Netflix's global strategy to venture into live sports. It is reported that Netflix's membership in Japan has reached around 10 million households, and the appeal of star players like Shohei Ohtani is expected to boost subscriptions during this "WBC boom." The streaming will be available on all plans starting from ¥890 with ads (as announced by Netflix), but the impact on fans accustomed to TV and the culture of public viewing cannot be overlooked.