In Sarasota, Florida, the agreement between the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN) and Comcast is now extended until March, ensuring that Xfinity cable customers can continue to access Orioles and Nationals games for a while longer, as the contract was originally due to end by the close of February.
MASN has not promptly replied to inquiries for comments, but a spokesperson from Comcast has confirmed that the network will remain accessible during ongoing negotiations. However, the spokesperson has not disclosed the new expiration date for the deal, although the Xfinity website now indicates the MASN agreement concluding in March, contrary to its previous listing in February.
The majority ownership of MASN, which broadcasts both Orioles and Nationals games, recently changed hands to a consortium led by David Rubenstein, pending final approval from MLB owners. This extension in the Comcast agreement could facilitate negotiations for a new contract under the new ownership.
Since its launch in 2005, MASN has maintained an agreement with Comcast since 2006. However, its subscriber base has been diminishing, dropping from 5.6 million in 2018 to 3.3 million in 2023, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence. Removing MASN from Comcast, a major cable provider in the region, would likely exacerbate this decline.
Last year, MASN faced challenges in renewing its contract with Charter, affecting areas, particularly in North Carolina, traditionally associated with Orioles fandom.
Comcast’s recent decision to reposition networks airing Pittsburgh Pirates and Penguins games into pricier packages raises speculation on whether similar treatment awaits MASN.
Presently, there are no direct-to-consumer streaming options for Orioles or Nationals games, and significant decisions concerning both the team and network are postponed until the new ownership takes charge.
