The ability to watch a baseball game, or any game of that sorts, has been way too complicated over recent years. I find myself needing ten different subscriptions to watch NFL, NBA, or anything else. The MLB actually does a decent job, but struggles are in the air right now regarding the Nationals. They signed a 1-Year Deal with MASN for 2025 and now it is up. It seems like we do have an idea where Nationals Baseball will be heading, and it may not be so bad.
Nationals Will Leave MASN in 2026
The Nationals are no longer under contract with MASN so we will now have to look elsewhere for Nationals baseball. However, this should be no reason for us to panic. It is a strategic happening after a 1-Year Deal with MASN in 2025. They will now look to the MLB.TV umbrella.
How to watch the Nationals in 2026?
It is being reported by multiple outlets that the Nationals will be the 8th MLB team to join the MLB.TV umbrella. This will be a new broadcast that is owned by the MLB and it should still be aired on cable television.
The details remain uncertain, but their will be a TV Station to watch this time. It may be a new, leased station specific to the team. They can also partner with a local station to air the games. This will be a financial and political matter to be worked out, but the Nationals will not be on MASN.
For anyone that has cable, you should also be able to watch the team through the MLB.TV app. Any Smart TV, iPhone, or Laptop/Computer should be able to assist in this matter.
Will the TV Crew Change?
Negotiations will ensue, but the crew should remain. It would make little sense to find a whole new crew rather than use the current casters that have been with the team forever. We might expect Dan Kolko and Kevin Frandsen to likely remain on the Nationals broadcast until we hear something different following Bob Carpenter's retirement.
The broadcast, aesthetically, will look a bit different. It will likely have a more "national" feel and less of a local one. However, it will be well run, we can be sure of that. The Nationals have a new-look front-office, young and exciting coaching staff, and now, a new television broadcast to make our own.
Diving into the Politics
MASN is a locally-owned TV Station specific to the Baltimore Orioles and the Washington Nationals. The Orioles have had issues with MASN over many years, but they remain with them, owning 77%.
Ultimately, the Nationals leave MASN for financial issues. They believe that they do not get a fair share and they are locked down to financials. By leaving, they increase monetary options. The DMV Area is a Top-5 media market in the United States. The Nationals have a higher revenue ceiling by going a new route.