Orioles’ Stadium Lease Talks Take Turn, Property Rights Off Table

The Baltimore Orioles’ long-running lease negotiations are now focusing on a narrower deal structure — in contrast to the expansive development vision advocated by team managing partner John Angelos.

As the Dec. 31 expiration of the current Camden Yards lease approaches, Angelos has pushed for an Atlanta Braves-type mixed-use complex with residential units, hotels, shops, and restaurants, as well as an elementary school in the B&O Warehouse next to the ballpark and a health and wellness clinic. 

Early this year, Angelos even advocated for a simple, two-year lease extension to provide more time to develop a more complex, long-term agreement. But the administration of Maryland Gov. Wes Moore reportedly remains focused on sealing a long-term lease deal this year, without some of the additional perks that Angelos had sought. 

$300 Million Off The Table

A $300 million infusion of state money — beyond a separate $600 million in bond funds that will be available to the Orioles for stadium upgrades with a lease deal — is now off the table. 

Also no longer part of the ongoing discussions are exclusive rights for the Orioles to develop part of the state-owned property around Camden Yards. 

“The Moore-Miller Administration remains focused on getting this deal done,” the governor’s office said. “The Orioles have been reliable, community-minded partners and we are working together to secure the team’s future at Camden Yards for decades to come.”

The Orioles’ lease saga has become one of the key storylines of the 2023 MLB season, as the protracted negotiations coincide with the team’s rise to the best record in the American League after a long rebuilding period.