The World Baseball Classic (WBC) wrapped up its fifth edition on March 21, after 47 games over two weeks. The tournament featured 20 nations competing in baseball, which is no longer a permanent Olympic sport. The WBC serves as an international platform for the sport, allowing players to represent their home countries on a global stage.
The tournament has grown in popularity since its inception in 2006, showcasing memorable moments, such as Japan’s walk-off semifinal win and Mexico’s comeback from a four-run deficit against Puerto Rico. However, the WBC was not without injury risks, as Edwin Díaz suffered a season-ending knee injury, and Jose Altuve broke his finger.
Record-Breaking Revenue and Attendance
Despite the injury risks, the WBC’s growth seems unlikely to slow, given the tournament’s record-breaking revenue and attendance. This year’s edition generated between $90 million to $100 million in revenue, up from $78 million in 2017.
Additionally, attendance was the highest in the tournament’s history, with 1,306,414 fans attending games, up 20% from 2017.
Broadcast Deal with Fox a Significant Factor
The tournament’s success was due in part to its broadcast deal with Fox. The semifinals were televised by FS1 and Fox Deportes, averaging 2.4 million viewers, up 96% from 2017 when the tournament was televised by MLB Network and ESPN Deportes.
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred noted that the Fox deal was a significant factor in the event’s success.
Injury Concerns Persist
However, injury concerns continue to be a concern for the WBC. Since its inception, MLB teams have blocked some pitchers from participating due to concerns about player health.
The injuries to Edwin Díaz and Jose Altuve have reinforced those concerns. Despite this, players remain eager to represent their home countries on a global stage.
Global Attention and Celebration
The WBC provides an opportunity for baseball to gain a global audience, particularly in countries where the sport is not traditionally popular. The tournament also serves as a celebration of the diverse cultures and nationalities that make up the sport of baseball. Fans from all over the world came together to support their countries, creating an electrifying atmosphere throughout the tournament.
The WBC also showcased the immense talent and skill of players from around the world. The tournament’s MVP, Yoshitomo Tsutsugo of Japan, hit .364 with three home runs and nine RBIs, while MVP runner-up Brandon Nimmo of Team USA batted .333 with a .529 on-base percentage. The tournament saw impressive performances from players like Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto, and Shohei Ohtani, among others.
Looking Ahead to the Future
The WBC’s success has sparked discussions about the tournament’s future. Some have suggested expanding the tournament to include more countries, while others have proposed changes to the tournament format. The MLB, along with other baseball organizations around the world, will need to carefully consider how to build on the success of the 2021 WBC.
Overall, the 2021 World Baseball Classic was a celebration of the sport and its international reach. The tournament’s record-breaking revenue and attendance are a testament to its growing popularity, and the event is sure to continue to capture the attention of baseball fans around the world. While injury concerns remain, the tournament’s success is a sign that the WBC has a bright future ahead.
