2026 Central League Climax Series: Schedule and Broadcast Details

The Central League Climax Series opens on October 10, 2026, at Tokyo Dome, featuring the Yomiuri Giants hosting the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in the first stage, according to reports.

Central League Regular Season Standings Set the Stage

The Hanshin Tigers secured the 2026 Central League regular season pennant to earn a direct bye to the final stage. The Yomiuri Giants finished the 143-game schedule in second place, while the Yokohama DeNA BayStars claimed third place to round out the postseason field.

First Stage Schedule at Tokyo Dome

The first stage is a three-game series requiring two wins to advance, with no regular-season advantage awarded to the second-place Giants. Games are scheduled for a 14:00 JST start time. The third game will only be played if the series is tied or undecided after the first two contests.

• Game 1: October 10, 2026, at 14:00 JST at Tokyo Dome (Giants vs. BayStars)
• Game 2: October 11, 2026, at 14:00 JST at Tokyo Dome (Giants vs. BayStars)
• Game 3: October 12, 2026, at 14:00 JST at Tokyo Dome (Giants vs. BayStars, if necessary)

Final Stage at Hanshin Koshien Stadium

The winner of the first stage advances to face the Hanshin Tigers in the final stage at Hanshin Koshien Stadium. The six-game series begins with a one-win advantage awarded to the regular-season champions. Four victories are required to clinch the pennant and advance to the Japan Series. Weekday games are scheduled for 18:00 JST, while weekend contests begin at 14:00 JST.

• Game 1: October 14, 2026, at 18:00 JST at Hanshin Koshien Stadium (Hanshin vs. First Stage Winner)
• Game 2: October 15, 2026, at 18:00 JST at Hanshin Koshien Stadium (Hanshin vs. First Stage Winner)
• Game 3: October 16, 2026, at 18:00 JST at Hanshin Koshien Stadium (Hanshin vs. First Stage Winner)
• Game 4: October 17, 2026, at 14:00 JST at Hanshin Koshien Stadium (Hanshin vs. First Stage Winner, if necessary)
• Game 5: October 18, 2026, at 14:00 JST at Hanshin Koshien Stadium (Hanshin vs. First Stage Winner, if necessary)
• Game 6: October 19, 2026, at 18:00 JST at Hanshin Koshien Stadium (Hanshin vs. First Stage Winner, if necessary)

DAZN Will Stream Every Game Live

Live coverage of every game across both the first and final stages will stream live on DAZN. Additional television broadcasts are planned, though specific network schedules remain subject to change by broadcasters.

Subscription Options for Viewers

Viewers can access the postseason through specialized plans, including the DMM and DAZN bundle package priced at 3,480 yen per month, or the baseball-focused DAZN Baseball plan available at 2,300 yen per month on a seasonal contract structure.