Shohei Ohtani continues to demonstrate a rare ability that very few athletes possess. He is single-handedly pulling an entire sport toward new audiences and expanding its global footprint. Fresh off his second consecutive World Series championship and a National League Most Valuable Player award announced in January, Ohtani now finds himself at the center of a significant media movement ahead of the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
Netflix and Nippon TV Partnership for WBC Streaming
According to reports from Oricon News, streaming giant Netflix has formed a strategic partnership with Nippon TV to broadcast select World Baseball Classic games in Japan this March. This collaboration represents a major shift in how baseball content reaches viewers in one of the sport's most passionate markets.
Nippon TV will handle the traditional broadcast of 15 WBC games, including Japan's Tokyo Pool matchups, while Netflix will simultaneously stream these games live to its subscribers. This dual approach creates multiple viewing pathways for Japanese baseball fans and introduces the tournament to Netflix's broader audience base.
Why Netflix Is Investing in Baseball
Netflix's interest in streaming World Baseball Classic content becomes immediately understandable when examining Shohei Ohtani's viewing numbers in Japan. In October 2024, an astonishing 12.9 million viewers in Japan tuned in to watch his National League Division Series Game 5 against the San Diego Padres. This figure significantly surpassed the audience numbers for the same game in the United States, demonstrating Ohtani's unique drawing power in his home country.
Nippon TV explained their decision in a public statement, noting: "Nippon TV has been commissioned to broadcast 15 WBC games in March, which will be exclusively streamed live by Netflix. As a promotional partner, the company will help promote the tournament through special WBC programs and informational programs on terrestrial television."
Shohei Ohtani's On-Field Dominance and Off-Field Appeal
On the baseball diamond, Shohei Ohtani remains the sport's premier attraction. His 2024 season statistics tell the story of a truly exceptional athlete:
- 55 home runs demonstrating his power hitting capabilities
- 102 runs batted in showcasing his clutch performance
- 187 strikeouts as a pitcher highlighting his dual-threat ability
These remarkable achievements come alongside his historic 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, making him one of the highest-paid athletes in professional sports history.
Beyond his baseball earnings, Ohtani reportedly generated over $100 million in 2025 through endorsement deals with major brands including:
- Nike for athletic apparel and footwear
- Topps for trading cards and memorabilia
- Fanatics for sports merchandise and collectibles
Economic Impact and Cultural Significance
Ohtani's influence extends far beyond television ratings. During the MLB Tokyo Series, his presence caused ticket prices to skyrocket, with some premium seats reportedly reaching nearly $10,000. This demonstrates not just his popularity but his economic impact on the sport.
Nippon TV expressed confidence that Netflix's global reach would benefit the tournament's growth, stating: "We believe that we can widely communicate the national interest of WBC 2026 and contribute to further fostering baseball culture."
Looking Ahead to the World Baseball Classic
Shohei Ohtani is expected to return to represent Samurai Japan in the upcoming tournament, building on his iconic 2023 moment when he struck out Mike Trout to secure the championship title. His potential pitching rotation could include fellow Japanese stars Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Yusei Kikuchi, creating what might be baseball's most formidable international pitching staff.
With this concentration of star power, Netflix is making a calculated bet that baseball's biggest name can once again transform how the game reaches audiences. The streaming platform recognizes that Ohtani represents more than just athletic excellence—he's a cultural phenomenon capable of attracting viewers who might not traditionally follow baseball.
This media partnership between traditional broadcaster Nippon TV and streaming giant Netflix represents a new model for sports distribution, one that leverages digital platforms to expand reach while maintaining traditional broadcast elements. As baseball continues to globalize, such innovative approaches to content distribution will likely become increasingly common, with star athletes like Shohei Ohtani serving as the catalysts for these changes.
