MLB Rumors: Ted Leonsis-Led Group 'the Clear Front-Runner' to Buy Nationals

The front-runner to buy the Washington Nationals is an ownership group led by Ted Leonsis, who already owns the NBA's Washington Wizards, NHL's Washington Caps and the WNBA's Washington Mystics.

After 15 years at the helm, the Nationals will be put up for sale by the family.

Leonsis' group has been ahead of the others for the last month or so, but multiple sources said a sale is not imminent.

He was interested in buying the Baltimore Orioles in the past and has been eyeing an MLB team.

According to the report, an agreement isn't likely before the MLB winter meetings in December, and any sale probably won't be finalized until at least in 2023.

The co- founder of the Carlisle Group, David Rubenstein, will be part of the ownership group.

Leonsis would own three major US pro men's sports teams if he were to purchase the Nationals. The Colorado Avalanche, Los Angeles Rams, and Denver Nuggets are all owned by the Kroenkes.

The Nationals are in a rebuild after trading Juan Soto to the Padres after failed contract negotiations. It was a year after the team made another big deal, trading ace Max Scherzer and star infielder Trea Turner.

Three years ago, the team won the World Series. The core of the Nationals has largely moved on since they failed to make the playoffs in each of the last two seasons.

The Leonsis-fronted group is said to be the favorites to take over the rebuild.