• Loading stock data...
Sunday, June 1, 2025

Leonsis Among 28 Parties Eyeing Nationals Bid

  • A reported 28 parties have expressed interest in purchasing the Washington Nationals.
  • The team has a unique arrangement with its broadcaster MASN.
Washington-Nationals
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Twenty-nine teams would like to acquire Washington Nationals star Juan Soto, but the MLB club is seeing comparable interest from parties looking to buy the whole team.

The Nationals are fielding offers, and 28 people or groups have expressed interest.

  • Washington Capitals, Wizards, and Mystics owner Ted Leonsis is believed to be interested and a natural fit. The Lerner family, the current owner of the Nationals, are also part-owners of the Capitals and Wizards.
  • However, Leonsis’ initial bid for the Nationals was reportedly below those of other suitors. 
  • Former Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres, and Baltimore Orioles CEO Larry Lucchino is reportedly heading an interested group.

Forbes valued the Nationals at $2 billion in March. The New York Mets were sold for $2.4 billion in November 2020.

The MASN Effect

The team has a unique factor complicating any potential sale: Its local sports rights are held by the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN), an entity owned 67% by the Orioles

The arrangement, established as compensation for the Orioles when the Nationals (then Expos) moved into their media territory from Montreal in 2005, ties the Nats to an independent regional sports network that has cut costs in recent years after dropping from 5.6 million subscribers in 2018 to 3.6 million this year.

The Nationals and MASN are facing off in multiple lawsuits, including one in which a judge has ruled that the network owes the team around $100 million in rights fees for broadcasts between 2012 and 2017. The Orioles are appealing the ruling.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Steve Cohen Taps USTA’s Lew Sherr to Reshape Mets Off Field

The MLB club hires a top executive from the U.S. Tennis Association.

Chiefs, Royals Stadium Plans Hit Political Wall As Both Parties Say No

Both Republicans and Democrats in Missouri oppose public funding for stadiums.
Oct 26, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) injures left shoulder whilte attempt to steal second base in the seventh inning against the New York Yankees during game two of the 2024 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium.

Yankees-Dodgers Clash Draws TV Spotlight, Sky-High Prices

The teams’ lone regular-season series features three nationally aired games.
Softball

MLB Makes Eight-Figure Investment in New Softball League 

Athletes Unlimited and Major League Baseball announced the deal Thursday morning.

Featured Today

PSG and the City of Paris Can Join European Soccer’s Elite

What a maiden Champions League title would mean for the French club.
May 30, 2025

How the Champions League Anthem Took on a Life of Its Own

The composer didn’t know he wrote a timeless hit three decades ago.
May 25, 2025

How Rolex Paved the Way for Luxury’s Love Affair With Tennis

“It’s almost impossible to think about tennis without thinking about Rolex.”
Mar 23, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Alexandra Eala (PHI) reacts after winning a point against Madison Keys (USA)(not pictured) on day six of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium.
May 24, 2025

Alex Eala Is Defying Her Country’s Odds to Make French Open History

The Philippines native has overcome a unique set of financial odds.

Pacers-Thunder Is Lowest-Payroll NBA Finals in Years

Neither team is in the luxury tax, despite rosters with multiple All-Stars.
May 29, 2025

T-Wolves Face Roster-Building Questions After Another WCF Loss

The team has ownership stability entering this offseason.
Ovi
May 29, 2025

Capitals Say Ovechkin Retirement Email Was Sent in Error

Ovechkin is the NHL’s all-time scoring leader and has one Stanley Cup. 
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

In Episode 7 of Portfolio Players, go inside the boardroom with Avenue Capital CEO and former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry on Giannis’s future, women’s sports, and upstart leagues like TGL and Unrivaled. 
SGA
May 29, 2025

Thunder Poised to Dominate for Years After Winning West

OKC has the NBA’s best shot at a dynasty with the new CBA.
May 28, 2025

Mets Casino Project Moves Forward As Cohen Shakes Up Front Office

Scott Havens will depart as team president of business operations.
May 28, 2025

Terry Bradshaw Calls Steelers Pursuit of Aaron Rodgers ‘a Joke’

The Pro Football Hall of Famer lambastes the courtship of the mercurial star.
Ted Leonsis
exclusive
May 27, 2025

Where Do the Mystics Fit in a Rapidly Evolving WNBA?

The WNBA is increasingly divided between the new- and old-guard owners.