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The complex business of regional sports broadcasting is deconstructed into a cubist masterpiece, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding MASN’s future after the Nationals’ departure.Washington Today
The future of MASN, a regional sports network, is in question after the departure of the Washington Nationals, but the Baltimore Orioles’ leadership remains optimistic. Catie Griggs, the Orioles’ President of Business Operations, has expressed confidence in the network’s ability to sustain itself with only the Orioles’ fan base, despite a decline in subscriber numbers over the past few years.
Why it matters
The loss of the Nationals as a content partner raises concerns about MASN’s long-term viability, as the network has relied on both the Orioles and Nationals fan bases. The Orioles’ confidence in MASN’s future, however, suggests they believe the network can thrive with just their own fan base, which could have significant implications for the regional sports broadcasting landscape.
The details
MASN’s subscriber numbers have dropped from 5.6 million in 2018 to 3.3 million in 2023, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. To address this decline, MASN introduced a direct-to-consumer streaming service, MASN+, which Griggs believes has been a success, although specific subscription numbers have not been disclosed. The real test, however, will come in the upcoming year, as fans will have to choose whether to subscribe without the Nationals’ content.
MASN’s subscriber numbers dropped from 5.6 million in 2018 to 3.3 million in 2023.MASN introduced the MASN+ direct-to-consumer streaming service.
The players
Catie Griggs
The President of Business Operations for the Baltimore Orioles, who has expressed confidence in MASN’s future despite the Nationals’ departure.
Washington Nationals
The baseball team that has departed MASN, raising concerns about the network’s long-term viability.
Baltimore Orioles
The baseball team that remains as the sole content partner for MASN, and whose leadership is confident in the network’s future.
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What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident
What’s next
The success of MASN+ in 2026 will be a crucial factor in determining the network’s long-term viability without the Nationals’ content.
The takeaway
The Orioles’ confidence in MASN’s future despite the Nationals’ departure suggests they believe the network can thrive with just their own fan base, which could have significant implications for the regional sports broadcasting landscape. However, the real test will come in the upcoming year, as fans will have to choose whether to subscribe to MASN+ without the Nationals’ content.