Hold on to your hats, Orioles fans! The future of how you watch your favorite team is far from settled, and the decisions being made right now could dramatically impact your viewing experience. In a recent Q&A with Matt Weyrich of the Baltimore Sun, Orioles President of Business Operations Catie Griggs shed some light on the team's plans for MASN (Mid-Atlantic Sports Network) and other streaming possibilities. Let's dive into what she revealed, with a bit more context and analysis to help you understand what's at stake.
The interview, edited for clarity and brevity, tackled some burning questions on every fan's mind. First up: the elephant in the room – MASN's future.
Q: With the settlement between the Orioles and the Nationals, giving the Nationals an option to leave MASN, where do things stand? Are you hoping they stay?
Griggs' response: "We worked together in a different way than we had been able to previously. At this point, we are waiting for them to give us a final decision of where they will be next season."
Translation: The Orioles are playing it cool, but the Nationals' decision is crucial. Their departure could significantly alter MASN's value and, consequently, the Orioles' revenue stream. But here's where it gets controversial... Some argue that having complete control of their broadcast rights might actually benefit the Orioles in the long run, even if it means a temporary financial hit. What do you think? Would you prefer the security of MASN, or the potential upside of going it alone?
Next, the question on everyone's lips: streaming!
Q: With MLB's media rights deals expiring in 2029, are the Orioles interested in MLB's in-market streaming platform, or are you looking to stay on MASN streaming long term?
Griggs' answer: "The reality is there's a lot of time between now and 2029, and the media landscape is evolving quickly. So, it'll be better to make that assessment closer to that date."
This is a classic non-answer, right? But it's understandable. The streaming world is changing so rapidly. Think about it: five years ago, who would have predicted the streaming landscape we have today? It's a smart move for the Orioles to keep their options open. And this is the part most people miss... This also means they are open to other options. What those options are, we don't know. But it's something to consider.
Finally, the question about expanding streaming access:
Q: Have any attempts been made to kindle talks with YouTube TV, Hulu, FuboTV or Sling to get MASN on their streaming platforms?
Griggs: "Yes, those are conversations that we are having, that we have had. We are not unique in not having relationships with them. Their investment thesis to date has not generally included RSNs (regional sports networks), but we're continuing to push for every opportunity to make sure that all of our fans can get access to it. So, we are having those conversations, but that's one of the reasons it was so important for us to be able to successfully launch a direct-to-consumer offering earlier this year."
This is where things get interesting! While it's encouraging that the Orioles are pushing for wider streaming availability, the reality is that these platforms haven't been keen on RSNs. Why? Because they're expensive and often tied to long-term contracts. However, the Orioles' launch of their own direct-to-consumer streaming service throws a wrench into things. It proves they're willing to innovate and potentially bypass traditional channels. This could give them more leverage in future negotiations. But here's another controversial point: some fans feel that these direct-to-consumer options are just another way for teams to nickel-and-dime them. Are they right?
In conclusion, the future of Orioles broadcasting is uncertain, but the team is exploring its options. The Nationals' decision on MASN, the evolving streaming landscape, and the team's own direct-to-consumer offering are all key factors. What do you think the Orioles should prioritize? Wider streaming access? A more lucrative deal with MASN? Or complete control of their broadcast rights, even if it means taking a risk? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Do you think the Orioles are doing enough to make games accessible to all fans? And what platform would you most like to see MASN available on?
