Comcast, MASN Still Talking New Contract

The contract between MASN (Mid-Atlantic Sports Network) and Comcast has been extended until March 7, following ongoing discussions between the two parties. 

Orioles fans who subscribe to Comcast-operated Xfinity will be able to watch the team’s spring training game against the New York Yankees on Saturday at 1:05 p.m. The original contract was set to expire on the last day of February but has now been extended by a week, according to The Baltimore Sun.

Here are some key points about the situation:

MASN and Comcast Relationship: MASN, which serves as the TV home for both the Washington Nationals and Orioles, has had a deal with Comcast since 2006. However, there is currently no direct-to-consumer option to watch MASN, so fans rely on cable subscriptions to access most Orioles and Nationals games1.

Potential Blackout: If the two sides fail to reach a new agreement by next week or cannot agree on another extension, MASN would be blacked out for Xfinity subscribers. This extension provides a temporary reprieve, but the situation remains uncertain1.

Challenges for Regional Sports Networks: MASN faces challenges similar to other regional sports networks. In recent years, these networks have lost subscribers as viewers shift from cable to streaming services. In some markets, Comcast has moved regional sports networks to more expensive premium tiers. If a similar move were made in the Baltimore area, subscribers who don’t watch MASN might see a slight decrease in their cable bills, but baseball fans who want to watch Orioles and Nationals games would need to subscribe to an elevated Xfinity package or consider switching to other cable providers like DIRECTV or Verizon Fios1.

As negotiations continue, fans hope for a resolution that allows them to enjoy their favorite baseball games without disruptions.