MLB extends deadline for deal in Nationals-MASN talks

Major League Baseball has extended its deadline for a resolution in the dispute over television rights fees between the Washington Nationals and regional cable-television broadcaster MASN until July, according to the Baltimore Business Journal.

The league, which is mediating the process, originally planned to make a final decision in early June after the two sides failed to agree a fee. However, the league has now decided to push back its own deadline due to both parties being so far apart in their fee proposals.

The club is reportedly seeking an average of more than $100 million (€80 million) per year for its regional broadcast rights. However, MASN said that the team’s relatively low television ratings and small fan base, plus the fact that the broadcaster already shows Baltimore Orioles games in the Washington DC market, should restrict the fee to about $35 million per year.

MASN currently pays $29 million per year for the rights. As part of the Nationals’ deal with MASN, the club is allowed to renegotiate its rights deal every five years. If the two sides are unable to reach an agreement, the league is brought in to decide on the fee.