The World Baseball Classic (WBC), a prestigious international baseball event, has started without any terrestrial broadcast in Japan, highlighting a significant shift in the sports broadcasting landscape. While Netflix has acquired exclusive streaming rights for the event, Nippon Television (NTV) has been contracted for production. This scenario raises questions about the future of sports transmission in Japan and the implications of streaming services overtaking traditional broadcasting.

The opening match against Taiwan, held at Tokyo Dome, featured a ceremonial first pitch attended by actors from the Netflix adaptation of 'ONE PIECE,' set to begin streaming soon. NTV's announcer described the festive atmosphere, suggesting an integration of popular culture with sports, which may signal a new approach to sports broadcasting in Japan. As viewers increasingly turn to streaming services, traditional broadcasters like NTV face criticism for potentially relegating their roles to mere production contracts.

In light of these developments, NTV has faced backlash over what is perceived as becoming a 'subcontractor' in the broadcasting scene. The absence of terrestrial coverage for a major sporting event like the WBC raises alarms about the declining viewership of traditional television, highlighting a potential crisis for channels dependent on advertising revenue. The shift in viewing habits could fundamentally alter sports media, prompting a reevaluation of strategies for broadcasters in the evolving digital landscape.