Balado Compte complet: MLB’s New French Baseball Podcast Series Launches June 22, 2026
Major League Baseball and iHeartMedia have announced “Balado Compte complet,” a new French-language podcast series dedicated to covering the sport in France and Francophone regions, set to debut on June 22, 2026. The series, produced in partnership with the MLB Network and the French Baseball Federation (Fédération Française de Baseball et Softball), aims to deepen engagement with baseball in France ahead of the 2028 Paris Olympics, where baseball will make its Olympic return.
MLB’s “Balado Compte complet” is a new French-language podcast launching June 22, 2026, on iHeartMedia’s platform, featuring weekly episodes covering MLB games, player interviews, and French baseball development. Produced in partnership with the MLB Network and the French Baseball Federation, the series will include exclusive content from MLB’s European broadcasts and local French talent.
What is “Balado Compte complet” and why does it matter?
“Balado Compte complet” (translated as “Full Count Podcast”) is MLB’s first dedicated French-language audio series, designed to introduce baseball to a new audience while celebrating the sport’s growing presence in France. The series will air weekly, with episodes ranging from 20 to 45 minutes, covering:
- Live commentary and analysis of select MLB games broadcast in France
- Interviews with MLB players and coaches, including those with French heritage (e.g., Anthony Volpe, a French-born outfielder for the Miami Marlins)
- Features on French baseball and softball athletes competing in MLB’s international leagues
- Deep dives into baseball’s return to the 2028 Paris Olympics, including French team preparations
According to MLB’s International Operations, the podcast is part of a broader strategy to expand baseball’s footprint in Europe ahead of the Olympics. “France is one of our most important markets in Europe, and this podcast is a way to connect with fans in a format they already consume,” said MLB International President & CEO Thomas Boswell in a statement.
Key context: Baseball’s inclusion in the 2028 Paris Olympics—after a 108-year absence—has driven renewed interest in the sport across France. The French national team, ranked 23rd in the world by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), is investing heavily in youth development, with over 12,000 registered players nationwide.
How will the podcast work? Format, schedule, and key contributors
The series will follow a hybrid model, blending:
- Live game coverage: Select MLB games will be broadcast in French on iHeartMedia’s platforms, with the podcast team providing real-time analysis and insights. The first live episode is scheduled for June 22, coinciding with the start of the MLB regular season.
- Exclusive interviews: Hosted by Jean-Luc “JL” Moreau, a veteran French sports journalist and former MLB Europe correspondent, the show will feature:
“We want to make baseball accessible and exciting for French fans. Whether it’s explaining the nuances of the game or highlighting the stories of French players in MLB, this podcast is about building a community.”
Production details:
- Release schedule: Weekly episodes, with live coverage during MLB’s regular season (April–October) and recaps/analysis during the postseason.
- Platforms: Available on iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and MLB’s official app in France.
- Language: Primarily French, with occasional English segments for interviews with international players.
- Production team: Includes editors from France Baseball and sound engineers from MLB Network’s European studio in London.
Notable contributors: The series will feature appearances from French baseball legends like David Segui (former MLB pitcher) and current French national team coach Eric Cohen.
Why is MLB launching this podcast now? The Olympics and baseball’s French revival
Timing is critical. Baseball’s return to the Olympics—after being dropped in 2012—has sparked a resurgence in France. Here’s how this podcast fits into the bigger picture:
- Olympic momentum: The 2028 Paris Games will feature baseball and softball for the first time since 2008. French officials have pledged $10 million in funding for youth programs to ensure a competitive team. The podcast will highlight this development, including profiles of young French athletes training in MLB’s international academies.
- MLB’s European expansion: France is MLB’s second-largest market in Europe after the UK, with over 50,000 registered baseball/softball players. The league has already invested in French youth clinics and broadcast partnerships.
- Competition with other sports: France is a soccer powerhouse, and MLB must carve out a niche. Podcasts are a proven way to engage younger, digital-native audiences who may not follow traditional sports broadcasts.
Comparison: MLB’s approach mirrors its successful Spanish-language podcasts, like MLB en Español, which have driven growth in Latin American markets. In France, however, the challenge is greater: baseball is still a niche sport compared to soccer or rugby.
Who’s involved? The key players in “Balado Compte complet”
The podcast is a collaboration between three major stakeholders:
| Organization | Role | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Major League Baseball | Primary producer | Content licensing, player interviews, and access to MLB’s European broadcast feeds. |
| iHeartMedia | Distribution and platform | Hosting the podcast on its global network, including French-language stations like Radio France Internationale. |
| Fédération Française de Baseball et Softball | Local expertise | Providing French talent, youth program insights, and Olympic preparation updates. |
Local impact: The French Baseball Federation has already seen a 15% increase in youth registrations over the past year, partly due to MLB’s marketing efforts. The podcast is expected to accelerate this growth by making the sport more relatable to French audiences.
What happens next? Launch timeline and how fans can get involved
The official launch is set for June 22, 2026, with the first episode available on all major podcast platforms. Here’s the confirmed schedule:
- June 22, 2026: Pilot episode featuring an interview with Anthony Volpe and a breakdown of MLB’s French broadcast plans.
- June 29, 2026: First live game analysis during an MLB game broadcast in France (time TBD based on local schedules).
- July 2026: Special episode on France’s Olympic preparations, including interviews with the national team coaching staff.
- Ongoing: Weekly episodes during the MLB season, with postseason coverage in October.
How to listen: Subscribe on:
Fan engagement: MLB and iHeartMedia are encouraging fans to share their baseball stories using #BaladoCompteComplet on social media. The podcast team will feature listener questions and local baseball events in future episodes.
Key Takeaways
- First French MLB podcast: “Balado Compte complet” is MLB’s first dedicated French-language audio series, launching June 22, 2026.
- Olympic connection: The series aligns with baseball’s return to the 2028 Paris Olympics, featuring French team updates and youth development stories.
- Hybrid format: Combines live game analysis, player interviews, and deep dives into French baseball culture.
- Local partnerships: Produced with iHeartMedia and the French Baseball Federation to ensure cultural relevance.
- Growth strategy: Part of MLB’s broader push to expand baseball’s popularity in Europe ahead of the Olympics.
The next official update will come on June 18, 2026, when MLB and iHeartMedia release the full episode guide and host details. The pilot episode drops June 22, 2026, at 12:00 PM CEST (10:00 AM UTC).
French baseball fans are encouraged to follow @MLBInternational and Radio France Internationale for real-time updates. Have you listened to the trailer? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag #BaladoCompteComplet on social media.
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