Baltimore Orioles sale could lead to a huge revenue boost for the Washington Nationals?
A new report suggests that to complete the sale of the Baltimore Orioles to David Rubenstein, MLB could request the Washington Nationals gain total control of their media rights.
The news of the Orioles’ recent sale took some around MLB by surprise, but the move made sense. The organization seems to be on an upward swing after winning the American League East in 2023 with a young core that is set to be a dominant force for years to come. Due to their value being on an uptick, the Angelos family smartly sold high after years of losing seasons in Baltimore.
However, there is a possibility that a unique connection between the Orioles and Nationals could come to an end when a purchase is finalized. That is if the MLB wants to use their influence to help out a struggling Washington franchise.
MLB may ask Baltimore Orioles to relinquish control over Washington Nationals TV rights
When the Expos left Montreal for Washington, DC in 2005 the move encroached on the Orioles’ TV control in the region. To make a move possible and put a franchise in the nation’s capital, Baltimore was given majority control of Mid-Atlantic Sports Network, which broadcasts both team’s games.
The agreement gave the Orioles unique authority over the Nationals’ TV revenue and hurt the amount of money Washington had in their cophers. However, that could possibly change. On Thursday, the Baltimore Sun revealed that based on the terms of the agreement, “MLB has the power to require the Orioles to relinquish ownership of the Nationals’ TV rights to complete the sale.”
Doing so would certainly affect both teams, but more so the Nationals because it would give the organization the chance to find its own broadcast partner and reap the financial benefits that could come from that deal. However, the Sun also reported, “It’s not yet clear whether MLB has decided to exercise that right.”
The terms of the original agreement give the Orioles control of the Nationals’ TV rights in perpetuity, even if they are sold. This means Baltimore could put up a fight on such terms if they feel it necessary to hold on to the right.
