• Loading stock data...
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Nominations Are Open for Front Office Sports Honors! Submit Now

MLB Jumps Into Dispute Hindering Nationals’ Sale

  • The MASN regional sports network presents an impediment to a Washington Nationals sale.
  • The Orioles own 77% of the RSN.
Washington-Nationals-ballpark
Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Major League Baseball is stepping in to help clear up the biggest unresolved question pertaining to a sale of the Washington Nationals.

The league is seeking to bring clarity to a contentious situation regarding the Nationals’ and Baltimore Orioles’ shared Mid-Atlantic Sports Network, according to the Washington Post.

  • The Orioles own around 77% of the regional sports network, with the Nationals holding the balance, part of an arrangement established when the Montreal Expos moved to the Orioles’ region in 2005 and renamed the Nationals.
  • In 2019, an arbitrator sided with the Nationals, ruling that MASN owes the team $105 million in unpaid rights fees. MASN is appealing that decision.

A sale could present an opportunity to renegotiate the MASN deal, but it’s unclear how willing the Orioles are to part with their majority share. 

The O’s have contract language on their side: A 2005 settlement between the team and MLB states that “​​the assumption of the Nationals’ obligations under this agreement shall be made a binding condition of the purchase of the Nationals’ franchise.”

Leonsis in the Lead

While a handful of well-heeled individuals and groups have shown interest in the Nationals, it is believed that Washington Capitals, Wizards, and Mystics owner Ted Leonsis is the frontrunner.

Leonsis’ group, which includes Carlyle Group co-founder David Rubenstein, has had talks with the investment bank managing the sale. 

The team could also opt to sell a minority stake, which could include a future option to buy a majority share.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Rays Stadium Deal Collapse Sparks Uncertainty: What’s Next for Team?

The primary options for the MLB club all contain significant complications.
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daniel Jones (13) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium.

As NFL’s QB Carousel Spins, Even Backups Are Getting Big Money

Daniel Jones signed a $14 million deal with the Colts.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) rushes up the court against Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) on Thursday, May 9, 2024, during the preseason game against the Atlanta Dream at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Atlanta Dream, 83-80.

Fever-Dream Scheduling Conflict: High School Graduations

The Dream got roasted on social media for citing a “scheduling conflict.”
exclusive

How One Team Purchase Could Shake Up MLB Minor-League Valuations

The Dragons have sold out every home game since arriving in Dayton.

Featured Today

San Diego Wave FC falls to Orlando Pride at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, CA on April 29, 2023.

The New Tailored Approach to Women’s Sports Uniforms

For new women’s sports leagues, every detail is custom.
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark (22) cuts down the net after beating LSU in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament between Iowa and LSU at MVP Arena, Monday, April 1, 2024 in Albany, N.Y.
opinion
March 9, 2025

Reader Mailbag: Leagues Need Must-Watch Moments

Readers responded to NHL success and what it means for other leagues.
Moolah Kicks
March 8, 2025

Breaking the Mold: The Brands Designing Footwear Specifically for Female Athletes

New companies are laser focused on changing the women’s athletic footwear landscape.
WEST PALM BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY, 22: Houston Astros play the Washington Nationals in Spring Training at Cacti Park of the Palm Beaches on February 22, 2025 in West Palm Beach, FL. (
March 6, 2025

Astros Strength Coach Stephanie Grubbs Is Building an ‘Arsenal’ of Skills

The MLB team’s first female coach talks to FOS about her trajectory.

Eagles Make Saquon Barkley NFL’s Highest-Paid Running Back Ever

Barkley is coming off a historic 2024 season with the Eagles.
Teammates embrace during matchup in The Hundred cricket league
February 15, 2025

Google, Microsoft, Adobe CEOs Buy Stakes in Cricket League

The England and Wales Cricket Board raised £520m by selling team stakes.
February 18, 2025

Tiger Woods Signs First PGA Tour Player to Wear Sun Day Red

Karl Vilips will wear Sun Day Red at his season debut at the Mexico Open.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Jul 30, 2022; Pasadena California, USA; Juventus forward forward Dusan Vlahovic (9) and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jose Paixao (20) battle for the ball in the first half during an international friendly at the Rose Bowl.
February 14, 2025

‘Make Juventus Great Again’: Crypto Firm Tether Buys Stake in Soccer Club

Tether is just one of many crypto firms making sports investments.
exclusive
December 5, 2024

Talor Gooch Using LIV Golf Fortune to Start Building Sports Empire

The golfer has made more than $43 million individually from LIV.
December 4, 2024

U.S. Firm Makes $310M Bet on Soccer by Forming Superagency

The U.S.-based investment company makes a significant play in international soccer.
November 13, 2024

Why Liberty Media Spun Off Assets, Shook Up Leadership

Longtime CEO Greg Maffei is stepping down at the end of the year.