What's Happening?
The 2025 World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays attracted significant global viewership, with a total of approximately 238 million viewers worldwide. This marked the largest
audience for a World Series since 1992. In the United States, the series averaged 16.1 million viewers, making it the most-watched since 2017. The inclusion of a Canadian team boosted viewership in Canada, averaging 8.1 million viewers per game. Japanese interest was notably high, with Game 6 setting a record for the most-watched World Series game on a single network in Japan.
Why It's Important?
The high viewership numbers highlight the global appeal of Major League Baseball, particularly when international teams and players are involved. The presence of star players like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto drew significant attention from Japanese audiences, demonstrating the impact of international talent on the sport's popularity. The increased viewership among younger demographics in the U.S. suggests a growing interest in baseball among new generations, which could have long-term benefits for the sport's fan base and marketability.
What's Next?
The success of the 2025 World Series may encourage MLB to further promote international players and teams to enhance global engagement. This could lead to more international games and collaborations, expanding the league's reach and influence. Additionally, the positive response from younger viewers may prompt MLB to develop targeted marketing strategies to sustain and grow this demographic's interest in the sport.
