Orioles, Nats settle years-long broadcasting dispute

Field Level Media|published: Mon 3rd March, 11:02 2025

Feb 13, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; a general view of New York Yankees spring training workouts and MLB baseballs at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals jointly announced a final resolution to a years-long broadcasting dispute on Monday.

The 2025 season will be the final one for the Nationals on the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN). For 2026 and beyond, Washington will "explore alternatives for their television rights," according to a news release from Major League Baseball.

As part of the settlement, all disputes related to past media rights between the Nationals, Orioles and MASN have been resolved, and all litigation will be dismissed, the release said.

"The Nationals and Orioles extend their gratitude to Commissioner (Rob) Manfred and his team at MLB for their efforts in bringing this matter to a successful conclusion," the release said. "Both Clubs thank our fans for their support and look forward to continuing their partnership with MASN for the upcoming season."

The dispute dates back to 2012, years after the Montreal Expos relocated to Washington, D.C. An agreement in 2005 gave control of the Nationals' television rights to MASN, which is controlled by the Orioles. According to The Washington Post, the deal made the Nationals the only MLB team that could not sell its local TV rights on the open market.

Next year, the Nationals will be able to sell their TV rights to the highest bidder. An early front runner to land that deal is the Monumental Sports Network owned by Ted Leonsis, owner of the NHL's Capitals, NBA's Wizards and WNBA's Mystics.

--Field Level Media

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