Team Italy-Japan quarterfinal breaks record in Japan as most watched game in WBC history

Team Italy-Japan quarterfinal breaks record in Japan as most watched game in WBC history
23/03/2023
With 1.3 million viewers worldwide, the 2023 World Baseball Classic shattered attendance, ratings and merchandise records. The Japan-Italy quarterfinal was the most watched game in Japan in WBC history.

The 2023 World Baseball Classic quarterfinal between Team Italy and host Japan set a new record in Japan as the most watched game in the history of the international tournament with an incredible 48.7 rating. Three of the four most-watched games in World Baseball Classic history were played this year:

  1. 48.7: Japan vs. Italy (2023 WBC quarterfinals)
  2. 44.4: Japan vs. Korea (2023 WBC first round)
  3. 43.4: Japan vs. Cuba (2006 WBC final)
  4. 42.5: Japan vs. Mexico (2023 WBC semifinals)

Compared to 2017, ratings have increased worldwide with the following countries seeing the largest increases based on games played by their respective national teams: Taiwan (+151%), Mexico (+103%), Canada (+44%) %), South Korea (+36%), Puerto Rico (+11%).

The 2023 final was the most watched match in the history of the WBC in the United States (+69% compared to the 2017 final), with an overall audience of 5.2 million viewers. An average peak of 6.506 million viewers tuned in for the final showdown between Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani. The two semifinals were the most watched in the United States compared to previous editions (+97% compared to 2017), with an average of 2.403 million viewers. The ratings for the 2023 final in Japan were not available at the time of publication.

ATTENDANCE

The total attendance at stadiums hosting World Baseball Classic games was 1,306,414. That number represents a 20 percent increase from 2017 turnout.

MERCHANDISE

Sales of World Baseball Classic products at MLB Shop and Fanatics set a new record, increasing sales by 147% over the previous record set in 2017. Sales at the four venues hosting  World Baseball Classic games increased by more than 100% as compared to 2017.

SOCIAL MEDIA

The average interaction per post more than doubled (+102%) during the semifinals and finals on the WBC Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels. Shohei Ohtani's Instagram profile increased by 2.1 million followers during the tournament and is the first profile of a Major League Baseball player to surpass 4.5 million followers. Randy Arozarena's Instagram profile grew 299%, which is the largest profile growth of any MLB player. Arozarena also has the highest percentage growth on Twitter with her followers increasing by 105%.

GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION

The World Baseball Classic reached 163 different countries and territories, with 63 media partners broadcasting the event in 13 distinct languages. The partnerships have included all media rights and global distribution of live matches and highlights on linear TV, streaming platforms and radio broadcasts for all 47 games of the tournament. Outside of the United States and Japan, World Baseball Classic has worked with IMG to expand and diversify coverage of the event in different territories with the goal of reaching new supporters and fans around the world. Forza #Italia!

by Kevin Senatore and Roberto Angotti

2023 WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC NEWS