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The Washington Nationals have ended their nearly two-decade broadcast partnership with MASN and join Major League Baseball’s in-house production network, a move that would give the team full control over its local broadcasts for the first time since relocating from Montreal in 2005.
The Nationals shared the news Wednesday via social media. They will forgo renewing their contract with MASN when it expires next month.
The team now joins six other clubs under MLB’s production umbrella, including the San Diego Padres, Cleveland Guardians, Seattle Mariners, Minnesota Twins, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Colorado Rockies.
“Today’s announcement represents a new chapter for Washington Nationals baseball,” said Managing Principal Owner Mark D. Lerner. “We are excited to have already begun work with the talented team at MLB. 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.”
Under the league’s model, games are produced and distributed directly by MLB, with in-market streaming available. Teams also negotiate directly with cable and satellite providers to ensure linear broadcast coverage. Additionally, select games may be picked up by over-the-air television partners.
For the Nationals, the move represents a shift away from MASN, co-owned by the Nationals and the Baltimore Orioles. The relationship with the network has been the subject of decades-long disputes over rights fees and ownership stakes. This has led to repeated legal battles.
Leaving the network gives the Nationals greater flexibility and revenue control. While allowing them to tailor the broadcast experience to modern viewing habits.
“Partnering with MLB offers us several new opportunities that will greatly improve the on-air product. Including technological enhancements, the ability to work more closely with our broadcasters, and create added opportunities for our valued corporate partners,” said Lerner. “We’re thrilled to be able to offer the kind of presentation that our dedicated fans across the entire Mid-Atlantic region deserve.”
Fans within the Nationals home television markets can watch Nationals.TV on cable and satellite television or stream live through Nationals.TV. Information on cable and satellite providers, including specific channel locations, will be announced at a later date.
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