Nationals decide local TV future

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Washington Nationals May Shift to MLB-Controlled Broadcasts

While no official announcements have been made, it seems that the Washington Nationals are preparing to move away from MASN and instead join MLB’s production arm. This potential shift could mark a significant change in how the team's games are broadcasted and distributed.

According to a report by Stephen G. Mears of the TalkNats blog, the Nationals are not planning to renew their contract with MASN, the regional sports network that has aired its games since the team relocated from Montreal in 2005. Instead, the team is considering joining the six other MLB clubs that are currently under the league’s production outfit when its MASN contract expires in February.

If this plan moves forward, Nationals games will be produced and distributed by MLB. Starting with the upcoming season, this means in-market streaming distribution through ESPN’s new app. The six teams already under MLB’s local broadcast umbrella include the San Diego Padres, Cleveland Guardians, Seattle Mariners, Minnesota Twins, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Colorado Rockies.

Should the Nationals proceed with this arrangement, they will likely negotiate agreements directly with cable and satellite distributors in the D.C. area to secure linear distribution, similar to what the other teams under MLB’s purview have done. Some games may also be available on an over-the-air partner.

The relationship between the Nationals and MASN has been anything but smooth. Over the past two decades, there have been numerous lawsuits between the club and the Baltimore Orioles-controlled network regarding ownership stakes and rights payments. These disputes have left the Nationals in one of the most challenging local broadcast situations in all of MLB. For the first time since relocating, the team will have full control over its local broadcasts.

Before this recent report, many speculated that Monumental Sports Network, owned by Ted Leonsis and the Washington Wizards and Capitals, would be a strong contender for securing the Nationals' broadcasting rights. However, it's still too early to rule this out, as nothing will be officially decided until next month when the MASN contract expires. Current signs suggest that the Nationals may indeed join MLB’s group of teams.

If this happens, the Nationals might not be alone. By next month, the future of Main Street Sports Group, which owns the FanDuel Sports Network channels, will also be determined. If a potential sale to the London-based streaming service DAZN doesn't materialize, nine MLB clubs currently under contract with Main Street may also need to find a new local broadcast solution. Some or all of these teams could end up under MLB control this season.

This potential shift could have far-reaching implications for the way baseball is broadcasted in the region and beyond. It signals a move towards greater control and consistency in local broadcasting across the league. As the situation unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this transition affects the viewing experience for Washington Nationals supporters.