MASN loses in NY Court of Appeals

[Frobby]

Per the Banner.

“In an 18-page opinion, Associate Judge Madeline Singas wrote for the 6-0 majority that the courts properly upheld a determination from a Major League Baseball committee about the fair market value of the TV rights for the Nationals. But she said the teams now have to resolve any dispute about the nonpayment of those fees pursuant to a different provision.”

[MCO'sFan]

Thanks for staying on top of this Frobby. I have a strange question. Do you know under the terms of the MASN deal who actually owns the TV rights to the Nats. For instance, could MASN sell or outsource the broadcast rights to another RSN? 

[Frobby]

I’m not at all surprised by this result.   The rights fees for 2012-16 are now settled per the decision of the RSDC, affirmed by the court.  There are collateral issues about set-offs for distribution of MASN profits, and any interest due, that now have to be resolved through a AAA arbitration if the parties don’t agree.   These are simple issues that normal parties would resolve quickly without the need for further arbitration, but I won’t be shocked if MASN and the Orioles drag this out.  

[Frobby]

3 minutes ago, MCO'sFan said:

Thanks for staying on top of this Frobby. I have a strange question. Do you know under the terms of the MASN deal who actually owns the TV rights to the Nats. For instance, could MASN sell or outsource the broadcast rights to another RSN? 

I have a copy of the MASN contract and can check that.  Don’t have time right now, but I will get back to you on that.  

[cboemmeljr]

STORY

[Es4M11]

Okay, so does this now mean the rights fees are a settled issue? If so, what reason would the Orioles have to further delay payment, unless seeking appeal in a higher court? Also, I'm slightly confused about the NY court system, the NY court of appeals is the highest court in the state so no further appeals in NY?

[Going Underground]

Just now, Frobby said:

I’m not at all surprised by this result.   The rights fees for 2012-16 are now settled per the decision of the RSDC, affirmed by the court.  There are collateral issues about set-offs for distribution of MASN profits, and any interest due, that now have to be resolved through a AAA arbitration if the parties don’t agree.   These are simple issues that normal parties would resolve quickly without the need for further arbitration, but I won’t be shocked if MASN and the Orioles drag this out.  

So the Washington Post who said a ruling was coming around this week was sort of right. So now the Orioles can move since Baltimore City filed a brief to the court saying if you rule against the Orioles, they would not be sustainable in Baltimore. 

[Frobby]

Just now, Going Underground said:

So the Washington Post who said a ruling was coming around this week was sort of right.

I believe they said last week that a ruling could come as early as the end of last week.   Close enough!  I wonder how they knew that.   

[Going Underground]

1 minute ago, Frobby said:

I believe they said last week that a ruling could come as early as the end of last week.   Close enough!  I wonder how they knew that.   

Sources  So no comment from either team yet?

[Going Underground]

The Orioles could, in theory, appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, but it’s unlikely the court would accept the case. The decision Tuesday could pave the way for the Nationals to receive roughly $100 million that the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network placed in escrow in 2019.

[Es4M11]

1 minute ago, Going Underground said:

From the Sun:

The Orioles could, in theory, appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, but it’s unlikely the court would accept the case. The decision Tuesday could pave the way for the Nationals to receive roughly $100 million that the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network placed in escrow in 2019.

I really hope this is the beginning of the end of this saga. I can't help but feel that there was bad faith acting on all sides of this thing and it just needs to end. And I really don't care at what expense to the Orioles and MASN at this point. Thanks for the reply

[Moose Milligan]

9 minutes ago, Going Underground said:

The Orioles could, in theory, appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, but it’s unlikely the court would accept the case. The decision Tuesday could pave the way for the Nationals to receive roughly $100 million that the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network placed in escrow in 2019.

Start sending box seats to the justices, baby!  Give 'em Rutschman jerseys!  

[interloper]

7 minutes ago, Moose Milligan said:

Start sending box seats to the justices, baby!  Give 'em Rutschman jerseys!  

I can think of one justice who'd accept! 

Edited April 25, 2023 by interloper

[Going Underground]

From the Banner:

 

MASN and the Orioles have argued in court documents that the award could threaten the sustainability of the network as well as the competitiveness, economic viability and ability of the team to remain in Baltimore.

 

Nashville, Nashville here we come.Right back where my wife's music career started from.

Seriously, I won der if the Orioles would give more consideration to the Ted Leonsis offer to buy MASN

[Too Tall]

The possibility that this MAY be almost over is about as good as a 15 - 7 record. Let's hope this chapter of The Oriole Soap Opera is about to end!!!!!!!