Seattle Mariners Dropping Root Sports For MLB TV; Could the Washington Nationals Be Next?

By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man – Follow me on X.

The Seattle Mariners announced yesterday that it will end the regional sports network, Root Sports, at the end of the regular season tomorrow. Sunday’s game between the Mariners and the Los Angeles Dodgers will be the last game broadcast on Root Sports which has been in existence for 37 years.

The team said that Mariners’ regional broadcasts will be available blackout free starting in 2026 on MLB TV. The league’s streaming service was the regional TV home this season to several teams including the Cleveland Guardians, Arizona Diamondbacks, Minnesota Twins, Colorado Rockies and San Diego Padres.

“We continue to focus on finding new ways to bring our games in 2026 and beyond to our fans and we’ve determined joining with Major League Baseball is the best path,” Seattle Mariners chairman John Stanton said in a press release. “Beginning in 2026 and moving forward, Major League Baseball will provide opportunities to bring new features and benefits to viewers of Mariners baseball.

Pay TV services that now carry Root Sports are expected to continue offering Mariners games in 2026.

The dissolution of the regional sports network follows a recent trend in the industry as RSNs struggle to generate viewers and advertising with pay TV services losing subscribers to cord cutting.

Which Team Will Go to MLB TV Next?
The Washington Nationals, which has been on MASN since its first season in 2005, could be the next team to partner with MLB TV. The Nationals’ contract with MASN expires at the end of the season.

The team reportedly has discussed a new deal with MASN or Ted Leonsis’ Monumental Sports Network. But both options come with baggage. The Nationals clashed repeatedly with MASN executives over fees while Leonsis, who also owns the Washington Wizards and Washington Capitals, has expressed interest in purchasing the DC baseball team. The Nationals may want to avoid licensing their TV rights to Leonsis now because it could be used as a negotiating tool in a team sale at a later point.

Please consider making a donation to The TV Answer Man site here at the Buy Me a Coffee site. Any donation size is appreciated and will help me continue to provide these articles to you.

Have a Question? Ask The TV Answer Man!
Have a question about a favorite show, streaming service or new TV product? Send it to The TV Answer Man at swann@tvanswerman.com. Please include your first name and hometown in your message.