Orioles Confident in MASN's Future After Nationals' Departure

Orioles' President of Business Operations assures fans of network's viability despite losing Washington Nationals.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:41am

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A fractured, geometric painting in vibrant orange, black, and white hues, representing the Baltimore Orioles, and red, blue, and white hues, representing the Washington Nationals. The painting breaks down a baseball game or match into sharp, overlapping planes, symbolizing the complex challenges facing the regional sports network MASN.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. However, the Baltimore Orioles' leadership, led by Catie Griggs, the Orioles' President of Business Operations, remains optimistic about the network's viability. Griggs has made a bold statement of confidence, assuring fans that MASN's future is secure, even without the Nationals' content.

Why it matters

The loss of the Nationals is a significant blow to MASN, as the network's subscriber numbers have been declining in recent years. Industry observers are skeptical about whether the Orioles' fan base alone can sustain the network's future. The success of MASN+'s direct-to-consumer streaming service will be a crucial factor in determining the network's long-term survival.

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. The network's recent challenges have raised doubts about its ability to sustain itself with only the Orioles' fan base. To address this, MASN+ was introduced as a direct-to-consumer streaming service, aiming to increase accessibility and engagement. Griggs believes this move was a success, although specific subscription numbers remain undisclosed.

  • MASN's subscriber numbers dropped from 5.6 million in 2018 to 3.3 million in 2023.
  • MASN+ was introduced as a direct-to-consumer streaming service in recent years.

The players

Catie Griggs

The Baltimore Orioles' President of Business Operations, who has made a bold statement of confidence in MASN's future despite the loss of the Washington Nationals.

Baltimore Orioles

The baseball team whose fan base is expected to be the primary driver of MASN's future success.

Washington Nationals

The baseball team that has recently departed from MASN, leaving the network with only the Orioles' fan base to sustain it.

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What they’re saying

“MASN's viability is secure, even after losing the Washington Nationals.”

— Catie Griggs, President of Business Operations, Baltimore Orioles

What’s next

The success of MASN+ in 2026 will be a crucial factor in determining the network's long-term survival, as fans will have to choose whether to subscribe without the Nationals' content.

The takeaway

The future of MASN is uncertain, but the Orioles' leadership remains confident in the network's viability. The success of MASN+'s direct-to-consumer streaming service will be a key indicator of whether the Orioles' fan base alone can sustain the network's future.