The Nationals announced today they will begin producing and broadcasting games directly through Major League Baseball this season, ending a 21-year relationship with MASN.
Nationals.tv, as it is being branded, will broadcast all locally televised games in 2026, available through cable and satellite providers in the region as well as through MLB’s direct-to-consumer streaming platform.
The arrangement mirrors those of six other franchises (Padres, Diamondbacks, Mariners, Rockies, Twins, Guardians) who in recent years have left their regional sports networks and partnered directly with MLB to broadcast their games.
“Today’s announcement represents a new chapter for Washington Nationals baseball,” managing principal owner Mark Lerner said in a statement. “We are excited to have already begun work with the talented team at MLB, and 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.
“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. We’re thrilled to be able to offer the kind of presentation that our dedicated fans across the entire Mid-Atlantic region deserve.”
Local Nationals games had been broadcast on MASN since the franchise relocated from Montreal in 2005 as part of an arrangement between the club, MLB and the Orioles, which holds a majority stake in the network. Two decades later, the three parties announced in March they had come to a new agreement that allowed the Nationals to negotiate with other broadcasters and choose where to televise games beginning in 2026.
Details of the new arrangement with MLB – including participating cable/satellite providers, the spring training broadcast schedule and announcing team – will be announced in coming weeks. Fans can check nats.com/watch to receive information as it becomes available.