By Darren Shields, Senior Correspondent
Major League Baseball (MLB) has experienced a remarkable surge in viewership across both the United States and Japan during the first two months of the 2025 season, marking a significant rise in the sport’s global appeal. The boost in broadcast ratings signals an upward trend for baseball as it continues to captivate fans around the world.
Impressive Growth in U.S. Broadcasts
In the United States, MLB’s national broadcasts have seen substantial growth. ESPN, one of the main networks covering MLB games, reported a 22% increase in viewership, averaging 1.74 million viewers per game. This performance is the network’s strongest since 2017, underscoring a renewed interest in the sport across the nation. As more fans tune in to watch live games, ESPN is experiencing a resurgence in the relevance of its MLB coverage.
Additionally, TBS has reported a 16% rise in viewership for its Tuesday night MLB broadcasts. The increased ratings reflect a growing engagement with midweek games, which were once considered less prominent compared to weekend matchups. Now, as more fans embrace the sport, these games have become essential viewing for many. TBS’s consistent primetime coverage allows fans to enjoy high-quality games even on weekdays, further cementing MLB’s place in American sports culture.
Fox Sports, which provides coverage for many of the weekend MLB games, has also seen a boost, with viewership increasing by 10%. The network averages 1.84 million viewers per game, contributing to an overall positive trend for MLB’s televised presence. This consistent increase across multiple platforms suggests that fans are increasingly invested in the season, especially with several marquee teams performing well in the early part of the year.
Japan Sees Strong Engagement with MLB
Across the Pacific Ocean, MLB has experienced similar success in Japan, where the sport has deep cultural roots. NHK, Japan’s public broadcasting network, has seen an average of 2.7 million viewers per game for its MLB broadcasts. This figure doesn’t even include the Tokyo Series, a high-profile event that consistently draws even larger audiences.
Japan’s love for baseball is undeniable, and the increasing number of Japanese players making their mark in the major leagues has only fueled the country’s excitement for U.S.-based baseball. Fans in Japan have followed stars like Shohei Ohtani, Yu Darvish, and Seiya Suzuki, whose performances in MLB have garnered attention in both countries. As these international stars continue to shine, their influence on the sport is becoming more pronounced, contributing to an expanding global fanbase.
The uptick in viewership in Japan highlights baseball’s international significance. Japanese broadcasters have adapted to the growing demand for MLB content, ensuring fans have access to live games and in-depth coverage. This has led to heightened engagement not only for local players but also for teams and players from the U.S., which has turned the MLB season into a global event.
A Global Surge in Popularity
The impressive surge in MLB’s viewership demonstrates the sport’s increasing global appeal. Fans from both the U.S. and Japan are clearly excited about what the 2025 season has to offer. With exciting matchups, international superstars, and a growing number of passionate fans, MLB is positioning itself as an ever-expanding global entity.
In addition to the established viewership in North America and Japan, MLB has been actively working to grow its audience in emerging markets. In countries like Mexico, Korea, and even parts of Europe, baseball’s popularity is on the rise. MLB’s international strategy, including the Tokyo Series and the MLB London Series, has helped extend the sport’s reach beyond traditional markets. These initiatives ensure that MLB fans worldwide have the chance to experience the excitement of the league, whether through live games, broadcasts, or international events.
The Future of MLB’s International Strategy
As MLB continues to enjoy record viewership, the sport’s global strategy will likely expand even further. Increased ratings are expected to lead to more media partnerships, both domestically and internationally, allowing the league to capitalize on its growing fanbase. MLB’s strategy is becoming increasingly more focused on catering to fans outside the U.S., especially in Asia and Latin America, where baseball is deeply embedded in the culture.
In the U.S., this rise in viewership may signal a revival of interest in baseball, a sport that has seen waning attendance at games in recent years. However, with the increasing success of televised broadcasts and digital streaming platforms, more fans are able to access games on their terms, ensuring that interest in the sport remains strong.
MLB’s Competitive Edge
One of the key factors in MLB’s success has been its ability to adapt to changing times. While the sport’s traditional fanbase has been aging, the influx of young talent, exciting storylines, and international players has breathed new life into the league. Stars like Ohtani, Aaron Judge, and Fernando Tatis Jr. represent a new era of baseball, one that blends tradition with innovation. Their widespread appeal is helping attract younger viewers, a demographic crucial to the league’s long-term success.
In conclusion, MLB’s significant viewership increases in both the United States and Japan reflect a broader trend of the sport’s expanding global presence. With growing media coverage, exciting players, and an increasing number of international fans, baseball is poised to continue captivating audiences worldwide. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how the MLB can build upon this momentum and further solidify its place as a major global sports brand.
