Japanese baseball fans may not be able to watch the World Baseball Classic (WBC) on terrestrial television with increasing likelihood. While it is unclear why terrestrial broadcasters have chosen not to air the games, it could be due to a lack of broadcast rights or cost-related matters. This anticipated decision has been met with widespread disappointment from regional baseball enthusiasts and raises concerns for the future of sports viewership in the country.

Baseball is incredibly popular in Japan, and the WBC is one of the biggest events in the sport. Being unable to watch it on free-to-air channels would greatly disappoint many fans, particularly those who cannot afford the paid channels or do not have access to the internet. This development could potentially discourage grassroot participation and affect the popularity of the sport in the long run. It also raises questions about the terrestrial TV channels' commitment to domestic sports.

In the US or EU, there are various sports streaming platforms in addition to traditional TV broadcasts. However, like in Japan, broadcast rights are a contentious issue. While most popular sports events remain accessible on free-to-air or cable TV, there are growing instances where fans need to subscribe to specific streaming platforms to access certain games or leagues. This trend reflects shifting revenue models in sports broadcasting and the ongoing debate between accessibility and profitability.