• Loading stock data...
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

The Orioles, on the Brink of Franchise Stability, Descend Back Into Chaos

  • MLB club, state agency are still negotiating lease terms as deadline approaches.
  • Ownership uncertainty further clouds the situation surrounding franchise.
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Orioles’ deal with the Maryland Stadium Authority on a 30-year lease extension for Oriole Park at Camden Yards was designed to provide stability to a franchise surrounded for years by relocation rumors, ownership questions, and revenue concerns. Instead, the ongoing uncertainty surrounding those lease talks and the club’s future leadership has amplified the chaos. 

The MLB club and the state agency are hurtling toward a Dec. 31 deadline to turn a September memorandum of understanding into a finalized deal. The past weeks, however, have only reexposed the core debate that led to several years of negotiations.

In a move to meet that year-end deadline, the MSA began a push late last month to separate the lease for the publicly owned ballpark from a broader redevelopment plan for the Camden Yards area. The Orioles objected, preferring one larger deal, though it appeared last week there was agreement on a final pact in accordance with the prior MOU. 

But pushback from Bill Ferguson, the president of Maryland’s state senate, helped derail a planned announcement last week from Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, sending negotiators back to the table. 

“Fundamentally, I believe that the long-term lease for use of the ballpark should not be conditioned on whether or not a private owner receives a 99-year ground lease to develop land owned by Maryland taxpayers,” Ferguson said.

Ownership Questions

The lease debate has also been joined by new questions as to who will own the Orioles during the next lease term. 

A recent Bloomberg report indicated that the family of current majority owner Peter Angelos had entered sale discussions with businessman and philanthropist David Rubenstein. The Baltimore Banner reported that team chair and CEO John Angelos has since denied that story privately to Moore, but there has not been any public statement on the matter.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jul 26, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Correa (4) walks to the dugout after the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Target Field.

MLB’s Biggest Buyers in Frantic Deadline Weren’t Top Markets

Teams besides the Dodgers, Mets, and Yankees dominate MLB’s trade deadline.
Happy Gilmore 2

Is ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ Really About LIV vs. PGA Tour?

The movie’s main plotline may sound familiar to many golf fans.
Bristol Motor Speedway

MLB’s Long Road to Its Most Unusual Game Yet

The special-event game features a unique blending of baseball and racing.
Apr 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half during game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.

Luka Dončić Eligible to Sign $229M Extension Saturday

Dončić can sign a four-year, $229 million extension on Aug. 2.

Featured Today

Coco Gauff at New York Liberty

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign
July 29, 2025

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.
Limited Hype
July 27, 2025

Sneaker Reselling Was Once Easy Money. Success Is Now Complicated

Vendors need to evolve what they’re selling and how they do it.

Bengals Extend Stadium Lease After $350M in Public Funds for Renovation

The Bengals will stay in the 25-year-old stadium through at least 2036.
July 31, 2025

Ferrari Extends F1 Boss Weeks After Red Bull Fire Horner

Fred Vasseur joined Ferrari in 2023.
August 1, 2025

Commanders Seal Stadium Deal As D.C. Approves $1.1B in Funding

The NFL team’s return to its prior home receives key political support.
Sponsored

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

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
July 30, 2025

Mayor Calls Commanders RFK Stadium Deal ‘a BFD’ for D.C.’s Future

The NFL team makes a series of additional commitments.
July 30, 2025

Trey Hendrickson Ends $450K Holdout Without New Bengals Deal

The defensive end is seeking a raise on his $16 million 2025 salary.
July 29, 2025

Wrexham’s Ambition Replaces Fan Favorites With Pricey Additions

Wrexham has already added six new players.
July 29, 2025

Mario Lemieux Trying to Reacquire Penguins 4 Years After Selling

The former NHL great looks to return to team ownership.