The World Baseball Classic (WBC) is one of the most prestigious international baseball tournaments. The WBC takes place every four years and features national teams from around the world. The 2017 edition of the tournament was held from March 6 to March 22 and saw a record number of viewers tune in for the final match between the USA and Japan.
WBC Attracts Record Viewership
The 2017 World Baseball Classic saw a surge in viewership compared to previous years. The tournament was broadcast in over 200 countries and territories, and the total viewership for the entire tournament was around 153 million. This was a significant increase from the previous edition of the tournament in 2013, which had a total viewership of 97.7 million.
One of the reasons for the increase in viewership was the tournament’s expanded coverage. In addition to traditional TV broadcasts, the WBC was also available on online streaming platforms. This allowed fans to watch matches on their smartphones and tablets, making the tournament more accessible to a wider audience.
USA vs. Japan Match Draws Huge Audience
The match between the USA and Japan in the final of the 2017 World Baseball Classic was the most-watched baseball game in the United States since the 2011 World Series. The match drew a total of 3.1 million viewers on MLB Network, making it the most-watched non-MLB game in the network’s history. The game also generated a lot of buzz on social media, with fans and analysts alike sharing their thoughts on the match.
One of the reasons why the USA vs. Japan match was so popular was the rivalry between the two teams. Japan had won the previous two editions of the tournament, and the USA was looking to take revenge. The match was also closely contested, with both teams putting up a strong fight. In the end, the USA emerged victorious, winning the tournament for the first time in their history.
The record viewership for the 2017 World Baseball Classic is a testament to the popularity of the tournament. With expanded coverage and increased accessibility, the WBC is poised to continue growing in popularity. The USA vs. Japan match was a highlight of the tournament, and it will be remembered as one of the greatest matches in the history of international baseball.
