I think it is quite possible that the tournament is operating at a loss. That doesn't mean the motive for the tournament is not financial. When businesses enter new markets, they frequently operate at a loss for several years. The motivation for entering the market is purely financial; however, it takes an investment and time for a market to become profitable. The same is true for this WBC. The empty stadiums indicate to me that the tournament is probably operating at a loss right now. MLB is hoping to develop future profitable markets. The only rational reason for a business to expose its most valuable assets to injury or loss is financial gain, whether it can be achieved in the short or long term. Without the financial motivation, the WBC would never have come to pass.