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03/31/2005 11:52 AM ET MLB, Orioles reach agreement

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The Washington Nationals have been granted a home television territory under MLB rules which is co-extensive with the home television territory within which the Orioles have been operating. This resolution is consistent in purpose with MLB Executive Council decisions in other areas where MLB clubs are separated by distances similar to that which separates the Orioles from the Nationals.

Major League Baseball and the Orioles have also reached agreement designed to address any adverse effects on the Baltimore franchise, stemming from the Nationals' new location.

Both clubs have agreed to form a joint venture designed to insure that fans throughout the Orioles' and Nationals' home television territory can continue their allegiance to the American League club, while also giving them a team to root for in the National League. The joint venture, backed by MLB, will guarantee the Nationals a fair market value for the club's broadcasting rights, as well as normal protections concerning the quality and frequency of telecasts.

"This agreement, I believe, satisfies the competing interests with which we've had to contend to place a team in the nation's capitol," said Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. "From the very beginning, I was deeply concerned by the potential material effect this move to Washington, D.C., which is in such close proximity to Baltimore, would have on the Orioles, its ownership and its fan base.

"Our history shows that franchise movement, without considering the financial impact such movement makes on existing clubs, is irresponsible. I did not want to make that mistake here. The relocation of the Montreal club to Washington, D.C. certainly creates financial uncertainties for the Orioles, which, in my opinion, are addressed fairly for the Orioles, the Nationals, and all of baseball by this agreement.

"I also want to commend my friend, Peter Angelos. He was relentless in his desire to preserve and protect the Baltimore Orioles franchise now, and for future generations. His concerns, which he expressed often and well, were not about himself or his ownership interest, but rather to establish a means by which to ensure the future viability of the Orioles franchise. I don't know many other people who would have fought so vigorously for such purposes."

Peter Angelos stated: "My objective throughout this entire effort has been to protect the Orioles' franchise now and for the future and what has been discussed over the past several months has been focused on that goal. The settlement addresses that need for protection and helps ensure the viability of the Orioles' franchise.

"I would like to thank Commissioner Selig and President (Bob) DuPuy for their hard work and great effort over a long period of time in helping to produce a settlement which serves all parties well. I would also like to extend special thanks to Governor (Robert L.) Ehrlich for his willingness to take a public position and standing behind us in recognizing the fact that appropriate protection for the Orioles' franchise is of great importance to the State of Maryland and the citizens of Baltimore metropolitan area. Through this settlement, that protection has now been realized."

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