• Loading stock data...
Thursday, June 26, 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

MLB’s Bold Bristol Plan: Inside the Renovation and Potential Records

Work accelerates to convert the massive motorsports venue for baseball.

Diamondbacks Score Up to $500M for Chase Field Renovation

Concerns about another potential team relocation in Arizona influence the vote.
Jun 23, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Petco Park.

Tatis Sues Big League Advance for ‘Predatory’ Future Earnings Deal

Tatis would owe $34 million from his current deal alone.
Jun 23, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Al Ahly's Mohamed Hany reacts after the match during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium.

Heat Wave Across the U.S. Impacting Major Sports

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said it’s been almost impossible to train.

Featured Today

Mar 15, 2025; Fort Worth, TX, USA; UAB Blazers forward Yaxel Lendeborg (3) dribbles the ball upcourt against the North Texas Mean Green during the first half at Dickies Arena

NIL Is Shrinking the Pool of NBA Draft Entrants

Agents are now advising many players to stay in school.
Apr 24, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter on the red carpet before the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field
June 21, 2025

‘More Is More’: The Elite Luxury Jewelers Decking Out Athletes

Meet the elite group of luxury designers crafting the biggest statement pieces.
Dec 5, 2024; Miami, FL, USA; FIFA president Gianni Infantino presents the FIFA Club World Cup trophy during the Club Word Cup draw at Telemundo Studios.
June 15, 2025

Revamped Club World Cup Is FIFA’s Billion-Dollar Gamble

The revamped soccer event debuts amid controversy.
Jun 10, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino stands during the anthem against the Switzerland during the first at Geodis Park
June 14, 2025

Gold Cup Is Complicated for USMNT—but U.S. Soccer Has Its Eyes on..

Uncertain tournament success isn’t fazing forward-looking U.S. soccer.
breaking

Cooper Flagg Goes No. 1 to Dallas, Capping Mavs’ Rapid Rebuild

The expected selection extends a wild turn of events for Dallas. 
June 24, 2025

How the Celtics Cut $500M Roster Bill Nearly By Half in 1..

Boston is now under the second tax apron for next season.
June 25, 2025

Mavs Reset Takes Shape With Kyrie Locked In, Flagg Incoming

The Mavericks are expected to select Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
exclusive
June 24, 2025

Fever and Bonner Heading for a Breakup? Here’s What We Know

The Fever are exploring options as DeWanna Bonner seeks a fresh start.
Mar 11, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) reacts after a three-point basket against the Los Angeles Clippers during the fourth quarter at Smoothie King Center.
June 24, 2025

Wizards Acquire CJ McCollum to Set Up $100M in 2026 Cap Space

About $110 million will come off the Wizards’ books next year.
Jun 20, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; SL Benfica forward Evangelos Pavlidis (14) in action with Auckland City FC defender Christian Gray (4) during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Inter&Co Stadium.
June 23, 2025

Day Jobs, Weekly Stipends: Behind the Club World Cup’s Only Amateur Team

“We’ve never been in this for the financial reward.”
June 22, 2025

Pacers Lose Haliburton in NBA Finals—and Possibly for a Season

Haliburton entered the game with a right calf strain he played Game 6 with.