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The World Baseball Classic sets new benchmarks with record attendance and viewership, paving the way for a potential midseason tournament. Scheduled to return in 2029 or 2030, the WBC's current format, held during spring training, faces scrutiny as clubs often restrict player participation. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred suggests a midseason shift could become a reality, citing ongoing discussions about tournament formats. This year's WBC attracted 1,619,839 fans over 47 games, a staggering 24% increase from the previous high in 2023. The U.S. semifinal victory over the Dominican Republic reached 7.37 million viewers, outperforming past tournaments. Japan boasts three titles, while the U.S., led by captain Aaron Judge, has one since 2017. Italy's impressive semifinal run ignited interest in a country traditionally focused on soccer. The success of the WBC signals a growing global appeal for baseball.
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