Major League Baseball’s 2025 postseason is experiencing a remarkable surge in popularity, reaching its highest viewership since 2017 in the U.S., with explosive growth in Canada and Japan, and crucially, captivating a significant new demographic of younger fans.
As the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare to clash with the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2025 World Series, Major League Baseball is celebrating a postseason that has shattered viewership records across multiple fronts. This year’s playoff run has captivated a massive audience, demonstrating the enduring and growing appeal of America’s pastime, both domestically and internationally. The exciting action, close games, and a dazzling array of international stars have combined to create an unforgettable spectacle that has resonated with fans worldwide.
Dominant Numbers: A Viewership Resurgence in the U.S.
Through the League Championship Series, MLB postseason viewership in the United States is averaging an impressive 4.48 million viewers. This marks the most-watched postseason since 2017 and represents a significant 13% increase over last year. Much of this growth can be attributed to the thrilling initial rounds, particularly the American League Championship Series.
The decisive ALCS Game 7 between the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners was a standout, drawing a combined 15.03 million viewers in the U.S. and Canada. Domestically, this game averaged 9.03 million viewers across Fox, FS1, Fox Deportes, and Fox Sports streaming services, making it the most-watched ALCS game in eight years. The excitement peaked in the ninth inning, capturing 12.35 million viewers as the Blue Jays clinched their first Fall Classic berth in 32 years, according to Associated Press. The entire ALCS, combining U.S. (Fox/FS1) and Canadian (Sportsnet) coverage, averaged 9.39 million viewers, a remarkable 60% increase over the 2024 NLCS combined coverage.
The Global Game: Canada’s Comeback and Japan’s Ohtani-Mania
The 2025 postseason’s success extends far beyond U.S. borders, with substantial growth reported in Canada and Japan. For Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays’ historic win to reach the World Series resonated deeply, averaging 6 million viewers on Sportsnet and becoming the most-watched Blue Jays game ever on the network.
In Japan, the phenomenon of Shohei Ohtani, along with fellow Dodgers stars Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki, continues to draw unprecedented numbers. The Dodgers’ sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Championship Series became the most-watched NLCS ever in Japan, averaging 7.34 million viewers – a 26% increase over the previous year’s record. Ohtani’s historic three-home run, ten-strikeout performance in NLCS Game 4 alone captivated 10.26 million viewers in Japan, marking it as the second most-watched LCS game in the country’s history. This incredible viewership occurred despite the 16-hour time difference, meaning the game was broadcast during Saturday morning in Tokyo, as reported by MLB.com.
This massive international interest isn’t new; the 2024 World Series, which also featured a Shohei Ohtani appearance, saw Game 1 draw 14.4 million Japanese viewers, a record quickly surpassed by Game 2 with 15.9 million. This consistent record-breaking viewership underscores Ohtani’s unparalleled global appeal and his profound impact on baseball’s international reach.
Catching the Youth: A New Generation of Fans
Perhaps one of the most promising trends for MLB is its significant traction with younger audiences. While overall World Series viewership in 2024 was up 63% compared to the previous year, the increase among viewers aged 18 to 34 skyrocketed by an astounding 93%. This spike represents the largest growth within any age demographic for the event and signals a successful shift in engaging a crucial demographic for the sport’s future.
Beyond traditional broadcasts, MLB’s digital presence is thriving. The league’s social media platforms registered over 345 million views through Game 2 of the 2024 World Series, a staggering 229% increase from comparable games in 2023. These numbers highlight the effectiveness of MLB’s efforts to connect with younger fans through diverse content channels and innovative engagement strategies.
The World Series Stage: Dodgers vs. Blue Jays
The 2025 World Series presented by Capital One, featuring the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Toronto Blue Jays, is set to further amplify this global appeal. Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr., noted, “The 2025 MLB postseason has featured thrilling games and historic performances capturing the imagination of baseball fans around the world. This World Series will demonstrate that America’s favorite pastime is also truly a global game.”
The matchup itself is a showcase of international talent. The two clubs combine for 13 internationally born players spanning eight different countries and territories:
- Canada: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Blue Jays)
- Cuba: Andy Pages (Dodgers), Yariel Rodríguez (Blue Jays)
- Dominican Republic: Teoscar Hernández (Dodgers), Seranthony Domínguez (Blue Jays)
- Japan: Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers), Roki Sasaki (Dodgers), Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Dodgers)
- Mexico: Alejandro Kirk (Blue Jays)
- Puerto Rico: Kiké Hernández (Dodgers)
- South Korea: Hyeseong Kim (Dodgers)
- Venezuela: Miguel Rojas (Dodgers), Andrés Giménez (Blue Jays)
This diversity on the field mirrors the diversity of the audience watching. The series will be broadcast in 203 countries and territories by 44 media partners in 16 languages, ensuring maximum global reach.
What’s Driving the Success?
Several factors are converging to create this unprecedented surge in viewership:
- Superstar Power: Players like Shohei Ohtani and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. transcend national boundaries, bringing new fan bases and injecting immense star power into every game.
- Thrilling Competitiveness: The high stakes and close contests, exemplified by the dramatic ALCS Game 7, inherently attract and retain viewers.
- Strategic Matchups: Narratives like the Blue Jays’ return to the World Series after decades, or Ohtani’s pursuit of a championship with the Dodgers, create compelling storylines.
- Increased Accessibility: Broadcasters are leveraging traditional TV, streaming services, and international partnerships to make games available to a wider audience than ever before.
- Youth Engagement: MLB’s targeted efforts to engage younger demographics through social media and a faster-paced game are clearly yielding positive results.
The 2025 MLB postseason and upcoming World Series represent a significant moment for baseball. The blend of thrilling competition, iconic international talent, and a growing, diverse fanbase signals a vibrant future for the sport as it continues to solidify its status as a truly global game.
