Monumental gets it right with NBC Sports Washington

The landscape of D.C. sports journalism has changed forever thanks to Ted Leonsis full purchase of NBC Sports Washington from his empire at Monumental Sports and Entertainment. The Washington Capitals owner has big plans. Maybe a new channel or streaming service is on the horizon. Oh yeah and he might purchase that local baseball team.

Monumental acquired NBC Universal’s 67 percent stake in the network. MSE used to just own 33 percent of the network since 2016.

It was originally launched as Home Team Sports in April of 1984 then became Comcast Sports Network and then NBC Sports Washington. It’s been the home to the Capitals and the NBA’s Washington Wizards since the network was established.

Ted’s son Zach Leonsis, who is the president of Media and New Enterprises at Monumental Sports and Entertainment said in a press release:

“We at Monumental Sports & Entertainment are incredibly excited to have reached an agreement to acquire NBC Sports Washington, an important business for our current and future core business operations. Comcast NBCUniversal has built a strong regional sports network in NBC Sports Washington. We look forward to further enhancing and innovating on the already best-in-class experience that our fanbase enjoys of watching live sports, for years to come.”

NBC Universal will continue to assist in operating the network for up to 18 months. Lion Tree served as Monumental’s exclusive financial advisor on the transaction. Bill Bridgen, the President of NBC Sports Regional Networks added:

“Monumental Sports & Entertainment’s interest in full ownership of the network is a unique opportunity. Their leaders have been engaged and collaborative partners in NBC Sports Washington who, like us, value local sports media and are committed to serving fans now and investing in the future. We look forward to continuing our work with them during the transition to support the network’s continued growth and success.”

With the company Leonsis has built, he now has all the tools he needs to potentially purchase the MLB’s Washington Nationals. If he does, he can rescue them out of that atrocious legal battle with MASN that has plagued that team for years.

I could see Monumental Sports Network, if that’s what they’ll call it, turning into a success like the YES Network has for the New York Yankees. I request that we get dope Caps TV shows and some Caps Classic games.