Baseball’s most drawn-out courtroom drama has finally met its long-overdue conclusion. After nearly two decades of legal jousting, financial bickering, and enough bad blood to script a soap opera, the Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles have put their bitter feud to rest. The resolution comes not a moment too soon, considering the saga had lasted longer than some MLB careers. But what does this long-awaited truce actually mean?
The Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles have fully resolved their dispute over television rights fees from the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN). The long-standing conflict has finally come to an end. This comes after almost 20 years of back and forth between the teams. This dispute was started when the MASN was established in 2005. Everyone knew that both franchises co-owned MASN, but the Orioles always held more control.
Due to this, the 2 teams have been fighting over the division of rights fees, leading to many years of litigation. In the announcement it was said, “All disputes related to past media rights between the Nationals, Orioles, and MASN have been resolved, and all litigation will be dismissed.”
Orioles, Nationals Announce Resolution Of MASN Dispute https://t.co/M5IlEZe0Fg pic.twitter.com/t05RfdTfZd
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) March 3, 2025
Before, the Washington Nationals could not sell their broadcasting rights to anyone else because they had signed the relocation agreement. With this restriction lifted after the 2025 season, the Nationals will be able to explore the market. But this drama impacted the Nationals more than the Orioles.
In 2022, the Lerner family started to explore the market to sell the franchise. Due to their bad luck and this litigation, they were not able to find any buyers. However, it was not the same for the Orioles. They were able to sell their franchise for $1.725 billion in 2024.
With the ink finally dry and the courtroom doors closed, the Nationals can now chase TV deals without MASN looming over them like an overbearing landlord. The Orioles, meanwhile, cashed out while the getting was good. In the end, one team found a buyer, and the other found freedom—both are probably breathing a sigh of relief.
Washington Nationals Set Sights on Stadium & Jersey Patch Sponsors by Year’s End
The last MLB team without a stadium sponsor or a jersey patch is finally ready to cash in. After years of holding out—whether by choice or circumstance—the Nationals are diving into the sponsorship game, aiming to turn empty space into prime real estate. With millions on the table and D.C.’s high-profile backdrop, the only question now is: Who’s ready to pay up?
The Washington Nationals have finally broken free of their shackles and dove into the sponsorship market. A company called Excel Sports Management has been hired by them to get both deals done. They began discussions for this at the start of 2024 and they aim to get it done by the end of 2025.
Negotiators held discussions, but they could never finalize the deal as the Nationals had 2 main rules for their sponsors. The rules were that the sponsor should be committed to the local community and support the military. In return, the sponsors will get a new street name near the stadium, corporate hospitality access at the ballpark, and other benefits.
With the Nationals finally playing ball in the sponsorship game, the only thing left is for the right bidder to step up to the plate. A prime location, a captive audience, and a franchise eager to spend—what more could a corporate giant ask for? Now, let’s see who’s ready to cut the check.
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