The Washington Nationals are charting a new course for how fans will watch their games. The team just announced a major broadcast shift that reflects the changing economics of sports television.
After more than two decades tied to the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network, the Nationals will move under Major League Baseball’s centralized production and distribution umbrella beginning in 2026.
A Clean Break from MASN After 2025
For Nationals fans, this marks the end of a long and sometimes awkward relationship. The club confirmed it will leave MASN after the 2025 season, closing a chapter that began when the former Montreal Expos relocated to Washington in 2005.
MASN was created specifically to serve both the Nationals and the Baltimore Orioles. But let’s be honest—this partnership has rarely felt harmonious.
Nationals managing principal owner Mark Lerner described the decision as a way to modernize the broadcast experience. He also sees it as a move to strengthen the franchise’s business model.
Why the Nationals Chose MLB Control
Lerner says working directly with MLB will let the Nationals collaborate on production quality and integrate new technology. They’re also hoping to develop more innovative opportunities for corporate sponsors.
MLB’s model gives teams more flexibility in how they reach fans, which is a big deal as traditional cable subscriptions keep dropping. The Nationals become the seventh MLB team to place their local broadcasts under league control. That’s starting to look like a trend as clubs search for alternatives to struggling regional sports networks.
The Complicated History of MASN
MASN’s origins go back 21 seasons, when MLB wanted to protect the Orioles’ television territory after the Expos moved to Washington. From the beginning, tension defined the network, especially over rights fees and revenue between the two franchises.
Those disputes turned into years of legal battles. Fans watched all this uncertainty unfold, while the network itself wobbled.
Financial Realities Behind the Decision
By the time the Orioles were sold in 2024, MASN’s financial situation looked grim. Forbes reported the network had no equity value, with operating income mostly coming from the rights fees paid to the Orioles and Nationals themselves.
A 2024 MLB-brokered settlement finally resolved the long-running TV rights litigation. That cleared the way for the Nationals to consider new broadcast options after the 2025 season.
What MASN’s Future Looks Like Without the Nationals
MASN executive vice president Greg Bader said the network respects the Nationals’ decision. He says they’ll work toward a smooth transition.
MASN will continue as the Orioles’ regional rights holder, covering seven states across the Mid-Atlantic region. Still, the departure raises real questions about MASN’s long-term viability. Regional sports networks just aren’t what they used to be.
Immediate Changes at the Network
MASN has already announced it will discontinue MASN2 on TV listings. They’ll operate with a single primary channel now.
Whether the Orioles alone can financially sustain the network is anyone’s guess. More teams seem to be looking to MLB for broadcast stability.
How Fans Will Watch the Nationals in 2026
For viewers, the shift brings both change and opportunity. The Nationals plan to launch a local-market Nationals.TV subscription for fans within their multi-state territory.
Streaming and Distribution Details
Fans can catch out-of-market games through the ESPN app. This fits right in with MLB’s push for more digital access.
We haven’t heard much about cable or satellite deals yet. More info should trickle out as 2026 gets closer.
After following sports media for 30 years, I can’t help but see this as another domino tipping over. The Nationals leaving MASN isn’t just a fluke—it’s part of a bigger shift toward centralized control and streaming-first options.
Honestly, the way fans watch baseball might look totally different soon, and maybe that’s not such a bad thing.
Here is the source article for this story: Nationals leave Mid-Atlantic Sports Network, channel controlled by Orioles
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