Sports
Industry analysts and MLB insiders on the Orioles' $1.725 billion valuation: 'Low'
Around baseball, the reaction to the valuation of the Baltimore Orioles at $1.725 billion was one of surprise and in some cases disbelief.
Seven industry analysts and rival officials, granted anonymity in exchange for their candor, all used the same word to describe the price:
“Low.”
The Orioles officially announced the sale of the franchise Wednesday to a group led by David Rubenstein, a Baltimore native who founded private equity firm The Carlyle Group. According to Puck News, which first reported the sale, the Rubenstein group initially will purchase about 40 percent of the club. The group, according to a source briefed on the terms, then will have the option to gain full control after the death of Peter Angelos, pending approval from Major League Baseball.
That approval likely would take months as the league conducts background and financial checks on the members of Rubenstein’s group and reviews the sale through internal committees. People in the sport offered a variety of potential reasons for why Peter’s son, Orioles managing partner John Angelos, accepted the $1.725 billion valuation, even though higher offers might have been available both in the past and future.
Those reasons included John’s possible frustration over the recently included lease negotiations for the Orioles at Camden Yards, cash-flow issues the family might be experiencing and the influence of Georgia Angelos, John’s mother and Peter’s wife. John Angelos has been running the club in the absence of his father, who is 94 and has been incapacitated due to illness since 2018.
A spokesperson for John Angelos declined comment.
Other major-league teams in recent years sold for less than the Orioles. The Miami Marlins went for $1.2 billion in 2017, the Kansas City Royals for $1 billion in 2019. The Cleveland Guardians, under the same type of path-to-control arrangement the Orioles are using, were valued at $1 billion in 2022.
While Miami and Cleveland are bigger media markets than Baltimore, the Orioles are seen as a franchise with greater potential because of the current quality of the team and the passion of their fan base.
Georgia and Peter Angelos at an event in 1996. (Andre Chung/Baltimore Sun/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Peter Angelos bought the Orioles in 1993 for $173 million. Forbes estimated the Orioles last March to be worth $1.713 billion. That valuation, however, did not include the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN), in which the team is the majority shareholder in a dual ownership with the Washington Nationals.
MASN is included in the Rubenstein group’s purchase, and some in the industry expect the group to sell the network to Ted Leonsis, the owner of NHL, NBA and WNBA franchises in Washington and a different regional sports network, Monumental, that broadcasts all three teams. Like all regional sports networks in this era of cord-cutting, MASN is not as valuable as it once was. But Leonsis at least might want to purchase the Orioles’ TV rights to enhance his programming on Monumental in the spring, summer and fall.
In late 2022, Leonsis bid for the Nationals with similar intentions, providing perhaps the most relevant data point when asssessing the valuation of the Orioles. Leonsis offered $2.2 billion for the Nationals, according to a source briefed on the discussions. The Lerner family, owners of the Nationals, did not move on the proposal, apparently believing the team was worth more.
Washington is a larger market than Baltimore, but the Nationals became a lesser partner in MASN as a condition of relocating from Montreal to Washington in 2005. So, why would John Angelos, the Orioles’ chairman and CEO in the absence of his father, not hold out for a price similar to the one Leonsis proposed for the Nationals?
The deal between the Orioles and the Rubenstein group seemingly came together quickly, catching Maryland state officials and another group interested in the club by surprise.
A little more than six weeks ago, the Orioles reached agreement with the state on a new long-term lease to remain at Camden Yards. The deal included $600 million in public funds for ballpark upgrades and potential development rights around the ballpark.
“If John (Angelos) can hear me now, it’s deeply disappointing and troubling that you could look your state in the eye and outright lie to us about your intentions.’ Maryland state treasurer Dereck Davis told The (Baltimore) Sun. “We had a right to know, given the amount of investment we were committing to this.”
People in the game, however, cited a combination of factors that might have increased Angelos’ urgency to sell and persuaded him to move forward with the deal sooner rather than later:
The final terms of the Orioles’ new lease
Angelos, in his negotiations with the state, sought to develop an area around Camden Yards and make it similar to The Battery Atlanta complex adjoining the Braves’ Truist Park, which opened in 2017.
He did not gain those rights.
All the Orioles received was an option to end the 30-year lease after 15 years if they did not reach a deal with the state on a development plan that perhaps was not even viable. The necessary land for such a project around Camden Yards does not exist. The ballpark sits in the middle of Baltimore, while Truist was built in a suburb 10 miles outside of Atlanta.
Angelos fought hard for the development rights, evidently believing they were worth hundreds of millions of dollars. When he failed to secure them, he was left without, at least in his view, a potentially lucrative revenue source and vehicle to boost the value of the franchise.
Cash-flow issues
The bill for the Orioles in their years-long dispute with the Nationals over television rights fees is coming due.
In June, Orioles-controlled MASN agreed to pay the Nationals about $100 million in unpaid rights fees for the period between 2012 to ’16. In November, a league-appointed committee ruled MASN owed the Orioles and Nationals about $300 million each for the period between 2017 and ’21. The rights fees for 2022 to ’26 have not been determined.
MASN held about $105 million in escrow preparing for the possibility of the first payment. It is not known how the network – and by extension, Angelos – planned to come up with the money for the 2017 to ’21 period.
What is known is that the Angelos family is seeking to become more liquid by selling off a variety of land assets, including One Charles Center, a 22-story office tower in downtown Baltimore.
Family considerations
The influence of Georgia Angelos, Peter’s wife and John’s mother, was no small factor in the family’s decision to sell, according to two sources briefed on the discussions.
Georgia’s exact motivations are unclear, but she and John were sued by her other son, Louis Angelos, over control of the team in 2022. According to the suit, Georgia determined it was in the family’s best interest to sell the team, but John misled her into believing he was working to accomplish that goal when ultimately he wanted to thwart it.
According to court documents from the suit, attorneys for Georgia wrote that her husband did not intend for the family to own the team forever, saying, “Although Peter felt that the Orioles should be sold on his death so Georgia could enjoy the great wealth they had amassed together, he felt that decision was ultimately Georgia’s to make.”
By identifying a buyer before Peter’s death, the family achieves resolution. The two-step sale – 40 percent now, 60 percent later – enables the family to receive an infusion of cash while avoiding a full capital gains tax it would incur if it sold the entire club before Peter’s death.
In a statement on Wednesday, John Angelos said, “When I took on the role of Chair and CEO of the Orioles, we had the objective of restoring the franchise to elite status in major league sports, keeping the team in Baltimore for years to come and revitalizing our partnership group. The relationship with David Rubenstein and his partners validates that we have not only met but exceeded our goals.”
The deal might work for Angelos. The question is whether it will create a downward ripple effect on the valuations of other teams going forward.
(Top photo (l-r) of Louis Angelos, Orioles executive VP Mike Elias, John Angelos in 2018: AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Sports
Amanda Anisimova defends right to avoid ‘clickbait’ questions about US politics at Australian Open
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American tennis star Amanda Anisimova called out a reporter at the Australian Open for asking “clickbait” questions about representing the United States under the Trump administration, saying it was her “right” not to speak on political matters.
Speaking to reporters after her fourth-round victory over Wang Xinyu, Anisimova was asked about how she is handling the “discourse” that has surrounded her after a reporter asked her and several American tennis players about their thoughts on representing the Stars and Stripes.
Amanda Anisimova of the U.S. is congratulated by Katerina Siniakova, right, of the Czech Republic following their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. (Dita Alangkara/AP Photo)
“I feel like the internet is – it’s tough. It comes with the job, which is something I’ve learned to get used to,” she said, adding that there are days “where it bothers me a little bit.”
Anisimova, a finalist at the 2025 U.S. Open and Wimbledon, later addressed the incident involving the reporter, who OutKick reported was freelance journalist Owen Lewis.
“In my other press conference, the fact that I didn’t want to answer a question that was obviously intended for just like a headline and clickbait, that was my right. It had nothing to do with my political views or anything like that.”
Anisimova was initially asked at an earlier press conference how it felt to “play under the American flag right now.”
“I was born in America. So, I’m always proud to represent my country,” the New Jersey native said. “A lot of us are doing really well, and it’s great to see a lot of great athletes on the women’s side and men’s side. I feel like we’re all doing a great job representing ourselves.”
Amanda Anisimova of the United States in action against Simona Waltert of Switzerland in the first round on Day 2 of the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on Jan. 19, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Robert Prange/Getty Images)
TENNIS STAR AMANDA ANISIMOVA DISMISSES REPORTER’S CYNICAL QUESTION ABOUT US: ‘I DON’T THINK THAT’S RELEVANT’
But the reporter later clarified his question, asking “in the context of the last year of everything that’s been happening in the U.S., does that complicate that feeling at all?”
Anisimova fired back, “I don’t think that’s relevant.”
Speaking to reporters Monday, she said it was wrong for fans to assume her politics based on that response, saying, “The fact that people assume that they know my stance on certain important topics is just wrong. It’s not factual. It’s tough, but I’ve learned to get used to it.”
Amanda Anisimova reacts after defeating Naomi Osaka during the women’s singles semifinals of the US Open tennis championships in Flushing Meadows, New York, on Sept. 5, 2025. (Frank Franklin II/AP Photo)
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Many social media users, including former American tennis stars John Isner and Tennys Sandgren, came to her defense and criticized the reporter’s line of questioning, which other American tennis players, including Taylor Fritz, were asked.
Fox News Digital’s Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.
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Shedeur Sanders made the Pro Bowl.
Let that sink in for a minute.
His father, Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders, made eight Pro Bowls during his 14-year NFL career. But he wasn’t selected until his third season.
The younger Sanders just finished his rookie season … for the 5-12 Cleveland Browns.
The former Colorado quarterback was considered a potential high first-round pick going into the 2025 draft, but he slipped down to the fifth round, where he was selected by Cleveland at No. 144 overall.
Sanders began the season as a third-stringer but eventually became the Browns’ QB1. In eight games played, including seven as a starter, Sanders completed 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards with seven touchdowns, 10 interceptions and a passer rating of 68.1. He also rushed for one touchdown.
In other words, he wasn’t exactly an elite NFL quarterback.
Yet, Sanders is headed to the Bay Area to take part in the 2026 Pro Bowl Games on Feb. 3. He was named as the replacement for New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, who is unable to participate because his team is playing the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8.
Sanders is the first Browns quarterback to make the Pro Bowl since Derek Anderson in 2008 and the first rookie quarterback to make it since Maye last year.
Sanders may be the most unexpected selection since then-Baltimore Ravens backup Tyler Huntley. Huntley made the cut after the 2022 season despite playing in only six games, starting in four, and throwing for 658 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions.
How did this happen? Here’s what we know.
Pro Bowl selections are determined in equal parts by fan, player and coach voting. When the results were announced in late December, the three quarterbacks selected to represent the AFC were Maye, Buffalo’s Josh Allen and the Chargers’ Justin Herbert.
Sanders was not among the first four alternates at quarterback in the AFC.
Some of the AFC’s top quarterbacks — including Denver’s Bo Nix, Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes and Indianapolis’ Daniel Jones — suffered season-ending injuries.
Players are not required to take part in the Pro Bowl festivities. Several other AFC quarterbacks — possibly including Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence, Houston’s C.J. Stroud, Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson, Pittsburgh’s Aaron Rodgers, Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow and Tennessee rookie Cam Ward — may have turned down Pro Bowl invites for Sanders to have gotten the nod.
All that aside, not many people ever get to play quarterback in the NFL and even fewer can say they made the Pro Bowl. Sanders seems most appreciative of the honor.
“Thank you God. I’m beyond excited and extremely grateful for all the love and support from the coaches, players, and fans,” Sanders said in a statement released by the Browns. “This wouldn’t be possible without the support behind me. Still plenty of work to do.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Sports
Ex-FIFA president Sepp Blatter warns soccer fans against traveling to US for 2026 World Cup under Trump
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Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter says soccer fans should avoid traveling to the United States for the 2026 World Cup this summer.
Blatter’s reasoning? His belief that President Donald Trump’s international aggression and immigration crackdown across the country makes it dangerous for fans traveling overseas.
Blatter cited Mark Pieth, an anti-corruption expert and law professor who oversaw the Independent Governance Committee during FIFA’s reform from 2013-16. Pieth spoke with Swiss outlet Der Bund, where he told soccer fans to, “Stay away from the USA!”
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FIFA President Sepp Blatter gestures during a press conference at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland on March 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus)
“For the fans, there’s only one piece of advice: stay away from the USA!” I think Mark Pieth is right to question this World Cup,” Blatter, 89, tweeted on Monday.
Pieth added in his interview: “You’ll see it better on TV anyway. And upon arrival, fans should expect that if they don’t please the officials, they’ll be put straight on the next flight home. If they’re lucky.”
The United States is set to co-host this year’s World Cup, as Mexico and Canada will be the site for games in the tournament that spans from June 11-July 19. However, after the Round of 16, all remaining matches will be held in the U.S.
Trump’s stance toward Greenland has led to a call to boycott the World Cup this summer by German soccer federation executive Oke Göttlich.
“I really wonder when the time will be to think and talk about this concretely,” Göttlich told Hamburger Morgenpost newspaper about a potential boycott. “For me, that time has definitely come.”
Trump said recently that a “framework of a future deal” with NATO involving Greenland and the Arctic region has been discussed, which could ease tension in that regard.
From left; FIFA President Gianni Infantino takes a selfie with President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (Chris Carlson/AP Photo)
“Based upon a very productive meeting that I have had with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, we have formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
There is also the criticism of ICE agents in U.S. cities, specifically Minneapolis, Minnesota, following the deaths of two U.S. citizens as immigration crackdowns continue.
Pieth discussed that factor as well in his interview.
“The country itself is in a state of tremendous turmoil,” he said. “What we’re witnessing domestically — the marginalization of political opponents, the abuses by immigration authorities, and so on — doesn’t exactly entice a fan to travel there.
Pieth likened the States’ “security situation” to Mexico, where drug cartels threaten violence ahead of matches in Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey. Pieth believes the U.S. has become “increasingly authoritarian.”
U.S. President Donald Trump receives the FIFA Peace Prize from Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Dec. 5, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (Emilee Chinn/FIFA via Getty Images)
It’s worth noting Blatter was forced out of his post as FIFA president in 2015 following one of the biggest corruption scandals in the sport involving wire fraud, racketeering and money laundering.
Gianni Infantino took over Blatter’s role, and he has had a strong friendship with Trump.
The State Department also told Fox News Digital exclusively that it will launch the FIFA Priority Appointment Schedule System, or FIFA PASS, which will give World Cupp ticket holders the opportunity to access prioritized visa appointments before the tournament begins on June 11.
Prospective visa holders must be able to show that they qualify to obtain a visa and plan to follow the laws in the United States as well as leave the country once the tournament is over on July 19.
Trump spoke about the FIFA Pass in November, saying the Departments of State and Homeland Security had been working “tirelessly” to “ensure that soccer fans from all around the world are properly vetted and able to come to the United States next summer easily.”
In this Sept. 1, 2020 file photo, former FIFA President Sepp Blatter, center, appears in front of the building of the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland, in Bern, Switzerland. Former FIFA president Blatter spent a week in an induced coma after having heart surgery in December, his family said on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021. (Peter Schneider/Keystone)
“I’ve directed my administration to do everything within the power to make the 2026 World Cup an unprecedented success. I think it’s going to be the greatest, and we are setting records on ticket sales,” Trump said at the time.
Infantino said the organization expected “between 5 and 10 million people coming to America from… all over the world to enjoy the World Cup.”
Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.
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