Insurance Issues Keep Some Stars Out Of ‘26 World Baseball Classic

Forbes Business

by Dan Schlossberg, Senior Contributor

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Insurance challenges are forcing several top baseball stars, including Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa, to skip the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC). The difficulty in securing adequate insurance coverage has become a significant hurdle for these high-profile athletes. This development is particularly notable given their prominence and potential impact on their teams' performances. The World Baseball Classic, often abbreviated as the WBC, is a premier international baseball tournament that attracts top talent from around the globe. However, this year's event faces challenges due to multiple star players opting out. The absence of these key figures is expected to affect team dynamics and fan engagement, as their presence usually adds excitement and unpredictability to the competition. From a business perspective, the insurance issue highlights the financial risks faced by athletes and organizers alike. High-profile players often require substantial coverage to protect against injuries or other unforeseen events. The struggle to obtain such coverage not only affects individual careers but also poses challenges for event organizers, who rely on star power to draw audiences and generate revenue. Moreover, this situation underscores broader trends in the sports industry, where financial stability and risk management are critical. The insurance dilemma reflects how economic factors can influence even the most anticipated sporting events. For businesses involved in sports, this serves as a

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Originally published on Forbes Business on 2/14/2026