WBC for HOU

Houston one of 4 cities worldwide to host 2026 World Baseball Classic

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Baseball fans from around the world will visit Minute Maid Park in 2026.

Courtesy of mlb.com

The Olympics of baseball is coming to Houston for the first time ever! The city will be one of the hosts of the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

The World Baseball Classic is the most prestigious event in international baseball, the equivalent to the FIFA World Cup or the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. The last time the tournament was held in 2023, 20 teams competed including newcomers the Czech Republic, Great Britain, and Nicaragua. Japan captured the title from the United States, who won their first championship in 2017.

“We are thrilled for Houston to have been chosen to host the World Baseball Classic,” said J. Kent Friedman, HCHSA Chairman of the Board. “When coupled with the FIFA World Cup, 2026 will demonstrate once again why Houston is one of the great sports cities not just in the U.S., but in the world. The thousands of fans that will be here for the WBC to cheer on their favorite country will have an incredible economic impact on the area and the Harris County — Houston Sports Authority is very pleased to welcome all of them to Minute Maid Park.”

The dates have not been released yet, but Houston will host the quarterfinals along with Miami, Florida. The final will happen in Miami. Tokyo, Japan and San Juan, Puerto Rico will also host games.

New Mayor John Whitmire was especially pleased to have Minute Maid Park chosen to hold the games.

“I am excited about Houston hosting the World Baseball Classic,” he said. “Having the teams and visitors in town will not just showcase Houston’s passion for the sport but also celebrate the diverse cultures from around the globe that unite under one love for the game. As the nation’s most diverse city, home to a truly global community, we are eager to demonstrate the unique experience Houston offers our domestic and international visitors. I appreciate all the people and organizations that came together to secure this event for Houston.”

The event is expected to bring thousands of baseball fans from around the world to Houston, as will the 2026 World Cup, which will host seven matches in the city.

The World Baseball Classic began in 2006 as the sport's only international tournament. It has been a fan favorite, as people get the chance to root for their country in an Olympics-style environment. Japan won the first tournament, defeating Cuba.

it's about time

Astros and Rockets finally launch streaming service for Houston sports fans

Houston Astros/Facebook

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Houston sports fans finally have a way to watch their favorite teams without a cable or satellite subscription. Launched Wednesday, December 3, the Space City Home Network’s SCHN+ service allows consumers to watch the Houston Astros and Houston Rockets via iOS, Apple TV, Android, Amazon Fire TV, or web browser.

Available at SCHNPLUS.com, a subscription to SCHN+ allows sports fans to watch all Astros and Rockets games as well as behind-the-scenes features and other on-demand content. It’s priced at $19.99 per month or $199.99 annually (plus tax). People who watch Space City Network Network via their existing cable or satellite service will be able to access SCHN+ at no additional charge.

As the Houston Chronicle notes, the Astros and Rockets were the only MLB and NBA teams not to offer a direct-to-consumer streaming option.

“We’re thrilled to offer another great option to ensure fans have access to watch games, and the SCHN+ streaming app makes it easier than ever to cheer on the Rockets,” Rockets alternate governor Patrick Fertitta said in a statement. “Providing fans with a convenient way to watch their favorite teams, along with our network’s award-winning programming, was an essential addition. This season feels special, and we’re committed to exploring new ways to elevate our broadcasts for Rockets fans to enjoy.”

Astros owner Jim Crane echoed Feritta’s comments, adding, “Providing fans options on how they view our games is important as we continue to grow the game – we want to make it accessible to as large an audience as possible. We are looking forward to the 2026 season and more Astros fans watching our players compete for another championship.”

SCHN+ is available to customers in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and the following counties in New Mexico: Dona Ana, Eddy, Lea, Chaves, Roosevelt, Curry, Quay, Union and Debaca. Fans outside these areas will need to subscribe to the NBA and MLB out-of-market services.

The announcement couldn’t have come at a better time. Spurred by its offseason signing of superstar Kevin Durant and second-year guard Reed Sheppard, the Rockets are off to a strong, 13-5 start to the season that’s has them currently ranked third in the Western Conference.

The Astros are looking to bounce back after missing the playoffs in 2025. The experts at the Stone Cold Stros podcast predict the team will looking to add pitching to bolster its prospects for 2026.

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