The 2026 Nippon Professional Baseball postseason opens with the first-stage matchups of the JERA Central League and Persol Pacific League Climax Series set to begin on October 10, 2026, according to published schedules.
First Stage Central League Clash at Tokyo Dome
The Yomiuri Giants host the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in the Central League First Stage at Tokyo Dome, starting on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 14:00 local time. Nippon Television network handles the terrestrial broadcast for Games 1 and 3, while NHK General covers the television transmission for Game 2 on Sunday, October 11. Satellite viewers can follow the series on BS Nippon Television and Nittere G+.
For internet users, live streaming options include DAZN, Hulu, GIANTS TV, and TVer. If either team sweeps the first two games, the third match scheduled for Monday, October 12, will not take place, leaving October 13 as the designated reserve day.
Pacific League Opener at Belluna Dome
In the Pacific League First Stage, the Saitama Seibu Lions meet the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters at Belluna Dome, with all games commencing at 14:00 local time on October 10. Terrestrial coverage splits regionally, featuring TV Saitama and Sapporo Television Broadcasting (STV) for the opening game, and TV Saitama alongside HBC Hokkaido Broadcasting for Game 2.
National satellite coverage relies on NHK BS, paired with Fuji Television TWO for cable and satellite viewers. Streaming audiences have multiple choices, including DAZN, Persol Pacific League TV, Baseball LIVE, Rakuten Pacific League Special, and Fuji Television TWOsmart. Game 3 is likewise subject to cancellation if a winner emerges in the first two contests.
Japanese Baseball Games Air on Various Networks
All times are listed in local Japanese Standard Time (JST). Broadcast assignments remain subject to change by individual networks and rights holders based on game progression.
- October 10 (Game 1): Giants vs. DeNA at Tokyo Dome (14:00 JST) – Nippon Television, BS Nippon Television, Nittere G+, DAZN, Hulu, GIANTS TV, TVer.
- October 10 (Game 1): Seibu vs. Nippon-Ham at Belluna Dome (14:00 JST) – TV Saitama, STV, NHK BS, Fuji Television TWO, DAZN, Pacific League TV, Baseball LIVE, Rakuten, Fuji TWOsmart.
- October 11 (Game 2): Giants vs. DeNA at Tokyo Dome (14:00 JST) – NHK General, Nittere G+, DAZN, Hulu, GIANTS TV, TVer.
- October 11 (Game 2): Seibu vs. Nippon-Ham at Belluna Dome (14:00 JST) – TV Saitama, HBC, NHK BS, Fuji Television TWO, DAZN, Pacific League TV, Baseball LIVE, Rakuten, Fuji TWOsmart.
- October 12 (Game 3): Giants vs. DeNA at Tokyo Dome (14:00 JST) – Nippon Television, BS Nippon Television, Nittere G+, DAZN, Hulu, GIANTS TV, TVer.
- October 12 (Game 3): Seibu vs. Nippon-Ham at Belluna Dome (14:00 JST) – NHK BS, Fuji Television TWO, DAZN, Pacific League TV, Baseball LIVE, Rakuten, Fuji TWOsmart.
Climax Series Final Stage Progression
The winners of the respective First Stage matchups advance to the Final Stage of the Climax Series, which begins on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, to determine the pennant winners who will compete in the Japan Series.
Related reading
