This year's World Baseball Classic proved to be a huge hit with fans and players, with a massive turnout for the different countries represented and huge TV ratings for the broadcast. So, when will the next World Baseball Classic take place?
According to USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale, baseball officials are eyeing the next WBC in 2030. The timeline is based on how many times they want to host the tournament and what happens after that.
This year's World Baseball Classic served as a preview of things to come in two years. Because the 2028 Olympics are being held in the United States, baseball will be a part of it. So, fans will get to see All-Stars and MVP candidates represent their countries at the Olympics with medals at stake.
The WBC has been held twice this decade, with the tournament taking place this year and in 2023. However, there was a six-year gap between the tournaments in 2017, when the United States last won, and 2023, when Japan won.
Officials expect it to be held every four years, with the cycle existing from 2009–2017. Needless to say, given what happened in the WBC this year, Japan and Team USA will be especially motivated to win at the 2028 Summer Olympics.
By the time the 2030 World Baseball Classic begins, baseball fans can expect to see rising MLB stars such as Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin, Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Connor Griffin, Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crowe-Armstrong and St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Weatherholt among the standouts representing Team USA.
