World Baseball Classic Won't Change The Distribution Of Revenue For Japan

Representatives of Nippon Professional Baseball met with World Baseball Classic organizers on Monday "in hopes of renegotiating Japan's share of tournament revenues," according to KYODO. However, WBC Inc. "showed no willingness to change the current arrangements." MLB Asia VP Jim Small said that the organizers "have no intention of making changes in the participation terms and conditions." Noting that the dispute is a matter between NPB and its players association, Small said he hopes that "they can find a solution and that Japan will participate in the tournament." Players are demanding that NPB should be in "control of the rights to licensing and sponsorship income generated by the Japan team." WBC representatives appear unlikely to consider such an arrangement (KYODO, 8/15).