Fox Sports to Broadcast the 2026 World Baseball Classic
A Major Announcement
Fox Sports has officially announced that it will continue to serve as the television and streaming partner for the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) in the United States. This marks Fox’s commitment to showcasing international baseball talent after successfully broadcasting the tournament in 2023. The announcement was made on Tuesday, and it has already stirred excitement among baseball fans eager to witness their national teams compete on a grand stage.
What is the World Baseball Classic?
The World Baseball Classic is an international baseball tournament reminiscent of the FIFA World Cup, where countries compete to showcase their best talent. The tournament allows players to represent their nations, fostering a unique sense of pride and camaraderie. In the most recent edition in 2023, Team Japan triumphed over Team USA in a spectacular finale. The highlight moment was a dramatic showdown where Shohei Ohtani struck out his Angels teammate Mike Trout, leading to an average viewership of over 6.5 million—a testament to the event’s growing popularity.
Broadcasting Details
For the 2026 edition, Fox will air seven key WBC games, including those featuring Team USA, the quarterfinals, and the championship game. The remainder of the tournament will be accessible on FS1, FS2, and through streaming platforms like Fox One and Tubi. This multi-channel approach enhances the event’s accessibility, ensuring that fans have numerous options to catch the action live.
International Appeal
This year, Netflix seized the opportunity by acquiring the WBC broadcasting rights in Japan, where the 2023 tournament saw viewership figures comparable to the Super Bowl in the United States. Such widespread interest underscores baseball’s global appeal and the increasing significance of international tournaments in the sport.
Passion for the Game
Bill Wanger, Fox Sports’ executive VP and head of programming and scheduling, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming tournament. He noted that the World Baseball Classic embodies the essence of sports—passion, pride, and elite talent. Following the thrilling conclusion of the previous tournament, Fox is excited to deliver another installment of this premier event to fans across the country.
A Longstanding Partnership
Noah Garden, MLB’s deputy commissioner for business and media, highlighted the longstanding relationship between Fox Sports and Major League Baseball (MLB). He praised Fox for its role in showcasing player skill, captivating storylines, and the intensity of competition. Garden’s remarks emphasized that while baseball is celebrated as America’s pastime, it is equally a global game, teeming with talented players from various nations. Fox Sports’ involvement is seen as vital in elevating the WBC’s profile and celebrating the intersection of sports and national pride.
Representing Countries with Pride
Reflecting on the tournament’s impact, MLB Players, Inc. president Evan Kaplan noted that since its inception in 2006, the World Baseball Classic has ignited a special sense of pride among players representing their countries. Kaplan expressed the organization’s commitment to partnering with Fox Sports to amplify the extraordinary talent of players, whose dedication enriches baseball’s standing as a truly global sport.
The Future of the WBC
With the 2026 World Baseball Classic on the horizon, expectations are high for captivating games that will engage fans and spotlight the passion of players representing their nations. As the wheels are set in motion for another thrilling tournament, both Fox Sports and MLB are gearing up for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of baseball on the world stage.