The Washington Nationals have joined Major League Baseball's in-house broadcasting efforts as the seventh team, following a settlement with the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN). This move occurs amid ongoing turmoil at FanDuel Sports Network operator Main Street Sports Group, where nine teams recently terminated contracts and others weigh MLB options.
The Washington Nationals announced Wednesday their partnership with MLB for game broadcasts, ending years of disputes with MASN, which is controlled by the Baltimore Orioles. A settlement last year cleared the path for this transition. Nationals owner Mark Lerner said in a statement: “Today’s announcement represents a new chapter for Washington Nationals baseball. We are excited to have already begun work with the talented team at MLB, and the collaboration is off to a strong start as we work together to elevate the viewing experience with world-class broadcasts across television and streaming.”
The Nationals join the Arizona Diamondbacks, Cleveland Guardians, Colorado Rockies, Minnesota Twins, San Diego Padres, and Seattle Mariners under MLB's umbrella. MLB began managing broadcasts in summer 2023 after Diamond Sports Group (Main Street's predecessor) dropped the Diamondbacks and Padres midseason.
This development follows last week's termination of 2026 contracts by nine teams—Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Tampa Bay Rays—with Main Street due to missed payments (see 'Nine MLB teams terminate contracts with Main Street Sports' in this series). Main Street has issued revised offers to these and other teams, tied to finding a buyer, or it may shut down post-NBA/NHL seasons. An anonymous MLB executive noted timing pressures with spring training nearing: “The biggest challenge... is timing... With spring training games starting in around a month, that doesn’t leave a lot of remaining time.” Proposed deals extend to 2028 with hybrid fees and revenue sharing.
Main Street, post-20-month bankruptcy, hired Lazard as advisor. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred reassured fans: “whether it’s Main Street, a third party or MLB media, fans are going to have the games.” The crisis impacts 13 NBA and seven NHL teams. The Nationals' package starts February at $19.99/month or $99.99/year, aligning with MLB's streaming push ahead of 2028 rights talks.