When is the WBSC Premier12? Calendar, Opening round schedule, groups, teams and start times

The 2024 WBSC Premier12 is coming up fast, running from November 10 to November 24, and it promises to be one of the most thrilling international baseball tournaments in recent years. Fans can look forward to two weeks of intense matchups featuring twelve of the world’s top-ranked teams. Games will be held across three host countries - Mexico, Taiwan, and Japan - bringing together a mix of cultures and styles on the field.

The Format and Group Breakdown

The tournament opens with two groups of six teams each. Group A games take place in Mexico, spread across Estadio Panamericano in Guadalajara and Santa Teresita Stadium in Tepic. Group B action happens in Taiwan, where games will be played at the Taipei Dome and Tianmu Baseball Stadium, as well as in Japan’s Vantelin Dome in Nagoya. From there, the top two teams from each group advance to the Super Round, held in the iconic Tokyo Dome in Japan.

Group A includes some powerhouses: Mexico (the host), United States, Venezuela, Netherlands, Panama, and Puerto Rico. The U.S. will face Puerto Rico on opening day, November 9, followed by a prime-time matchup between Mexico and Venezuela. Group B is equally stacked, with Japan, South Korea, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan’s competitive designation), Cuba, Australia, and the Dominican Republic.

Key Dates and Matches

Each group plays a series of round-robin games to determine which two teams advance. In Group A, highlights include the U.S. facing off against Venezuela on November 11, and the rivalry between Mexico and the U.S. on November 14. Meanwhile, in Group B, fans can expect an exciting showdown between Japan and South Korea on November 15. These matchups are not only opportunities to see MLB stars but also players from Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball and Korea’s KBO, each league with its unique flair and dedicated fan base.

Game Times and Watching Options

Games start as early as 1 p.m. local time, with evening matches set to attract prime-time audiences in each host country. Eastern Daylight Time, for instance, sees the first Group A game - Panama vs. Netherlands - at 2 p.m. on November 9. In Taiwan, Group B kicks off on November 13 with Cuba facing the Dominican Republic at 6:30 p.m. local time. Broadcasts are available through the WBSC’s streaming partners, including DAZN in select areas, ensuring fans worldwide can tune in live.

The Premier12, established in 2015, has become a celebrated battleground for international baseball. South Korea took home the inaugural title, and Japan seized gold in the 2019 edition. The stakes are high this year, with the winning team gaining valuable world ranking points in addition to bragging rights. Keep an eye on each country’s best players, from young prospects to seasoned veterans, all set on proving their place among baseball’s elite.