WBC Ticket Prices Soar—Becoming "Platinum" Without Terrestrial Broadcasts: Tokyo Dome Japan Matches Reach Up to 17.6 Million Yen

1. What's Happening: Understanding "Platinumization" Through Numbers

The ticket prices for Japan's games at the upcoming WBC Tokyo Dome event (first round, all 10 games) have skyrocketed. The highest price is Mass Suite (10-person capacity) at 1.76 million yen. In the previous 2023 tournament, the same seats were "40,000 yen per person (400,000 yen for 10 people)," marking a approximately 4.4-fold increase. The lottery application acceptance starts from October 1. The categorization of reserved seats has also progressed, with the "Excite Seats" near the ground now having a tiered pricing system: Excite Seat S is 70,000 yen per game, and outfield reserved seats have risen to 7,000 yen. These pricing and system details were clearly stated in articles published by various sports newspapers.Sponichi Sponichi Annex+ 1

The Overall Ticket Sales Schedule, according to the organizer's guidance, involves starting the sales (lottery) of a four-game pack for Japan's games on October 1, 2025, and the general sale of single-day tickets from January 15, 2026 (including non-Japan games sequentially).MLB.com

2. "No Terrestrial Broadcast" - The Shock of Netflix's Exclusive Streaming

In Japan, it was officially announced at the end of August that Netflix will exclusively stream all WBC games. In addition to live streaming, VOD (catch-up) will also be provided, but there will be no broadcast on Japanese terrestrial TV. This has led to discussions about how the condition of "subscription contract required for viewing" raises the hurdle for viewing behavior.About NetflixAV WatchToyo Keizai Online

Netflix's pricing in Japan is 890 yen per month for the ad-supported standard, 1,590 yen for the ad-free standard plan, and 2,290 yen for the premium. Users who join temporarily for the WBC are also anticipated (※Check the official site for the latest prices).NetflixCinema Today

3. Japan's Matchups and Schedule

Japan is in Group C. They will play at Tokyo Dome on March 6 (against Taiwan), 7 (against South Korea), 8 (against Australia), and **10 (against the Czech Republic)**. The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals in Miami, USA.Sponichi Sponichi Annex

4. Why Have Prices Soared? Five Factors

(1) No Terrestrial Broadcast × Exclusive Streaming
The absence of free terrestrial broadcast has divided live viewing options into "on-site attendance or paid streaming." The relative scarcity of on-site viewing has increased. Sponsor companies have also expressed that "a format where everyone can watch is desirable."Toyo Keizai OnlineSponichi Sponichi Annex

(2) Expectations for Star Players
Reports suggest the participation of stars like Shohei Ohtani, leading to anticipated concentrated demand for Japan's games.Sponichi Sponichi Annex

(3) High Added Value of Seat Types
Seats close to the ground, such as Excite Seat S (70,000 yen), have a clear pricing design that adds a premium to the experience value. The Mass Suite, equipped with lounges and boxes, is a small hospitality space based on Japan's "masu-seki" culture, with expected demand for corporate and group use.Sponichi Sponichi AnnexYomiuri Giants

(4) Scarcity of Tokyo Hosting and International Matches
The first round at Tokyo Dome features **rival countries (South Korea)** and Asian teams (Taiwan), attracting attention, and the international flavor and storytelling boost price elasticity.Sponichi Sponichi Annex

(5) Supply Management (Lottery System & Phased Sales)
By limiting supply in the order of pack→single day, they first capture the willingness to pay of those who definitely want to attend. The lottery system for scarce seats also raises the "standard feel" of prices.Sponichi Sponichi AnnexMLB.com