Monumental Sports and Entertainment acquired full ownership of NBC Sports Washington in August 2022, and it largely left the network untouched. Now, the network will rebrand as Monumental Sports Network and add new programming and personalities, including one hosted by NBA reporter Rachel Nichols. The content will be on for 24 hours each day, capitalizing on the access the company has in owning several professional sports teams in the area – including the Washington Capitals; Washington Wizards and Washington Mystics. News of the change was first reported by John Ourand of Sports Business Journal.
Ted Leonsis, the chief executive officer of Monumental Sports and Entertainment, purchased the regional sports network from Comcast and planned on refreshing its look. As part of the move, the network is in the process of setting up a streaming service so fans can watch games. The group is also thought to be the frontrunner in negotiations to acquire the Washington Nationals, and it also expressed interest in purchasing MASN from the Baltimore Orioles.
MASN settled part of a protracted media rights dispute this week with the Washington Nationals after several court appeals and mandates from Major League Baseball. In the end, the Nationals will be paid $100 million for media rights across the five-year period of 2012 to 2016.
New shows launching on Monumental Sports Network will include a program hosted by Nichols, along with a sports betting series, countdown shows and replays of classic games. Moreover, behind-the-scenes looks into the Capitals and Wizards in shows called Caps Red Line and Beyond the Buzzer will take the air.
Additionally, there will be changes to live game broadcasts to enhance the viewing experience, some of which include new camera angles and revamped postgame interviews. Alternate feeds will be available for consumers on its forthcoming digital platform featuring programs hosted by talent, media personalities and former players. There will also be more players and coaches utilizing microphones during the game to immerse viewers into the action from no matter where they may be watching. The rebrand is set to take effect this September ahead of the start of basketball and hockey season.
