The Washington Nationals are poised to take control of their local media rights for the first time in franchise history starting in 2026, marking a watershed moment for the MLB team’s broadcast strategy. However, MASN (Mid-Atlantic Sports Network), the Baltimore Orioles-controlled regional sports network that has aired Nationals games since the franchise relocated to Washington, D.C. in 2005, is aggressively positioning itself to extend the partnership. This development follows the resolution of a years-long rights fee dispute that had strained relations between the Nationals and MASN, which operates under a unique ownership structure favoring the Orioles.

Catie Griggs, MASN’s President of Business Operations, recently emphasized the network’s commitment to retaining Nationals broadcasts during an appearance on the SBJ Sports Media Podcast. “The Nationals have been a great partner, and we recognize the shared fanbase across the D.C. and Baltimore regions,” Griggs stated, underscoring MASN’s desire to negotiate a mutually beneficial agreement. Her comments come as the Nationals gain unprecedented leverage to explore alternative distribution models, including potential partnerships with streaming-first platforms.

Industry analysts are closely watching Ted Leonsis’ Monumental Sports Network, which already broadcasts Washington Capitals (NHL) and Wizards (NBA) games, as a prime competitor for the Nationals’ media rights. While Leonsis previously explored purchasing the Nationals franchise itself, those talks have reportedly stalled – a factor that could influence Monumental’s appetite for securing standalone broadcast rights. The outcome may hinge on whether Leonsis prioritizes vertical integration with a potential future ownership bid or focuses on immediate content expansion for his regional sports network.

In a strategic move to modernize its offerings, MASN recently launched MASN+, a direct-to-consumer streaming platform allowing Nationals and Orioles fans to access games without traditional cable subscriptions. Griggs described the rollout as addressing a critical “pain point” for Mid-Atlantic baseball enthusiasts, particularly younger demographics increasingly reliant on mobile viewing. “We’ve prioritized this launch to meet fans where they are,” Griggs noted, highlighting the service’s multi-device compatibility and on-demand content features. This development positions MASN to compete with MLB.TV’s single-team offerings and regional streaming services like Bally Sports+.

The Nationals’ media rights decision will likely consider several critical elements. Historical tensions over MASN’s Orioles-favorable profit distribution could prompt demands for revised financial terms. MASN’s existing Mid-Atlantic infrastructure provides established viewership networks, while competitors might offer national streaming exposure. Additionally, the Nationals’ management has emphasized digital innovation, potentially favoring partners with robust streaming capabilities and interactive features.

Industry experts suggest the outcome could signal broader trends in regional sports network (RSN) restructuring, particularly as traditional cable bundles decline and teams seek direct fan relationships through OTT (over-the-top) platforms. With MASN’s streaming investment and Monumental’s established D.C. sports presence, the Nationals’ media rights battle represents a microcosm of MLB’s evolving broadcast landscape.