Washington Nationals No Longer for Sale, Ending Two-Year Search for New Owner
In a surprising turn of events, Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals will not be changing hands anytime soon. The team, which has been on the market for nearly two years, will remain under the ownership of the Lerner family. Principal owner Mark Lerner made the announcement during spring training in West Palm Beach, Florida, stating that his family has decided against selling the team. This decision brings an end to the speculation surrounding the Nationals’ future.
The Lerner family has been the proud owners of the team since acquiring it from MLB in 2006. After assuming control from his father, Ted, in 2018, Mark Lerner has played a pivotal role in the team’s operations. Unfortunately, Ted Lerner passed away in February 2023 at the age of 97, leaving behind a legacy of ownership and dedication to the Nationals.
This development comes shortly after businessman David Rubenstein struck a deal to purchase the nearby Baltimore Orioles for a staggering $1.725 billion. However, the sale of the Orioles is still pending approval from MLB ownership, requiring a 75% vote in favor. It is worth noting that the Orioles currently hold the Nationals’ local television rights, a contentious issue that remains unresolved in the courts.
Despite the Nationals’ recent struggles, finishing last in the NL East for the past four seasons following their triumphant World Series win in 2019, the Lerners have chosen to retain ownership of the team. This decision reflects their commitment to turning the organization’s fortunes around and reclaiming their former glory.
With the Nationals no longer up for sale, fans can now look forward to a future under the continued ownership of the Lerner family. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, the focus will undoubtedly be on rebuilding and returning to their championship-winning ways. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting developments from the Washington Nationals.
According to the Source sportsgossip.com