“Yes! Great suggestions, DCist!”

Alex Brandon / AP Photo

We’re only a few games into the MLB season, and we’ve already got some major Washington Nationals news coming from The Washington Post: The Lerner family, which has owned the team since it returned to the area in 2006, said it is “exploring” the possibility of selling the Nats.

Ted Lerner, a 96-year-old billionaire real estate mogul, transferred principal ownership of the team over to his son Mark Lerner in 2018. And while Mark said the family would “never sell the team,” things may be changing — he told the Post the family has hired New York investment bank Allen & Company to look for possible partners or buyers. Those partners will have to have some deep pockets; the Washington Nationals were ranked baseball’s 12th most valuable team at $2 billion in Forbes’ most recent ranking.

While Mark told the Post that this is simply an “exploratory process” with “no set timetable or expectation of a specific outcome,” our imaginations are running wild over here at DCist/WAMU. Below is some free consultation on who could purchase the team — or, rather, who we wish would consider doing so — to keep things interesting.

Walters Sports Bar

After winning a battle with the D.C. Department of Transportation to keep its streatery open on Opening Day last week, the Navy Yard sports bar joked that it’s obviously ready to take on any billionaire buyers who might be sniffing around. If Walters Park becomes a thing, expect better access to the stadium directly in front of the bar.

Capitol Hill Books

The beloved local book store already has ties to the team — like when someone mistook relief pitcher Sean Doolittle for a shop employee. Plus, the CHB crew is already interested (in selling enough books to be able to purchase a major league team.)

 

Kojo Nnamdi

An obvious choice — he already has the jersey:

Walgreens

The retailer and the team’s nearly matching “W” logos have been something of conundrum in D.C. since the Nats arrived from Montreal. The company buying the team would settle that debate for good.

Nationals fans

Ultimately, Nats fans know their team, stadium, and city best. Did someone say GoFundMe?

Michele Kang

The local CEO just took controlling ownership of the championship-winning Washington Spirit … why stop there? She’s on a roll.

Michele Kang leaves the field after an NWSL soccer match in Washington on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021. Amanda Andrade-Rhoades / AP Photo

The Bullpen

The massive, outdoor bar next to the stadium could stage a hostile takeover and replace the Bud Light Bar in center field. Could you imagine? Nationals games would feature White Ford Bronco playing during every 7th inning stretch.

The Humane Rescue Alliance

When he was on the Nats, pitching ace Max Scherzer and his wife Erica used to regularly sponsor pet adoption fees for the local shelter. Nationals fans have raised thousands of dollars for the organization — now’s their chance to return the favor. Weekly Pups in the Park anyone?

Call Your Mother

The local chain of bagel delis has been growing like crazy — though it did recently pulled out of its eighth location in Alexandria … perhaps because they’re looking to go bigger? The business should at least consider adding a concession stand at Nationals Park so fans can order The Sun City to pick them up if the team’s losing.

MacKenzie Scott

The philanthropist has donated millions to HBCUs, including Howard University, and countless other nonprofits. She clearly has the cash. Why not venture into local sports? Plus, the move might stick it to her famous ex, another billionaire  rumored to be interested in local sports teams.

Filed Under: Arts and Culture, baseball, dc sports, lerner family, Mark Lerner, nationals, ted lerner, washington nationals,