When Mid-Atlantic Sports Network announced its new direct-to-consumer streaming option this week, allowing in-market, cord-cutters to watch Orioles and Nationals games without blackouts, some fans couldn’t grab their credit cards fast enough.
One problem. Some who opted for the $89.99 cost of a season-long subscription to MASN+, as opposed to the $19.99 per month option, were hit with a head-rattling mistake charge of $8,999.
“MASN is aware of the issue that affected a handful of subscribers,” a MASN spokesperson said in a statement to The Baltimore Sun. “Those impacted were contacted yesterday [Monday] and immediately issued refunds for the additional charge.”
Fans took to social media to commiserate in ire.
On Monday, one Reddit commenter said: “Uh, guys, HEADS UP. I just tried to sign up and my bank fortunately declined because they tried to charge $8,999.00. Someone forgot the decimal. … that’s criminal.”
Another added: “Just tried to sign up, was declined then got a fraud alert from my bank asking if I approved a purchase for $8999.00, so…not off to a good start. And now I’m on the phone with the bank.”
Nationals fan on X, @FOIANate, complained of app malfunctions Monday but followed up to say it worked a day later. “Better 10 years late than never!”
MASN+ became available via the MASN app, Apple TV+, Amazon Fire TV and Roku starting Monday. Cable and satellite subscribers are still able to stream games normally by logging on to the app through their respective provider.
The Orioles and Nationals are among the last teams in Major League Baseball to provide direct-to-consumer packaging.
Local fans have long dreamed of an announcement like this. Those credit card statements weren’t exactly how they envisioned it.
Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn.
Originally Published: April 22, 2025 at 6:30 PM EDT