The World Series this season has truly become a global event, and the ratings reflect that growing international appeal.
Television viewership for the first few games has been eye-opening across the United States, Japan, and Canada. In the U.S., average viewership stands at 12.6 million, down slightly from last year’s numbers — a dip largely attributed to the absence of the Yankees, whose presence in last season’s Fall Classic drew massive national interest.
Internationally, however, new records are being set. In Canada, 6.8 million viewers tuned in, making it the most-watched Blue Jays game in history. In Japan, the series is attracting an even larger audience, with 10.7 million viewers — the highest ever recorded for the World Series there.
Among those watching were President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The White House released photos of the two leaders seated together, watching the broadcast and discussing the event deep into the night, as the game went 18 innings.
Before the series began, President Trump, a longtime sports fan, shared a Presidential message celebrating baseball’s legacy. “The World Series stands as baseball’s crowning moment,” he wrote, “where players rise to the occasion and fans across the country share in the excitement beneath the bright lights. As we prepare to celebrate 250 glorious years of American independence, we remember how baseball has endured through every chapter of our history. Soldiers played it on Civil War fields, workers found hope in it during the Great Depression, and families rallied around it after the September 11 terrorist attacks. In every moment of challenge and hope, baseball has reflected the values that make our nation great — hard work, tenacity, and the will to win.”
He concluded his message by offering congratulations to both teams and wishing them success in their pursuit of a championship.