The Nationals previously operated their own in-venue retail businessGetty Images
The Nationals, whose MLB campaign begins tomorrow afternoon against the Reds, have partnered with Fanatics on a long-term deal that sees Fanatics take over retail operations in and around Nationals Park. The Nationals previously operated their own in-venue retail business; they become the sixth MLB team for which Fanatics handles both in-venue and e-commerce retail. The deal does not entail a partnership with Fanatics Sportsbook, as the Nationals already have a deal with BetMGM, which included the first retail sportsbook attached to an MLB ballpark.
The deal includes what Fanatics termed a significant capital investment in a multiyear improvement project to create a best-in-class retail experience for fans. The Home Plate Store and 300-level retail locations will be refurbished in 2024, followed by a larger scale renovation to, and expansion of, the main team store and Center Field Plaza in 2025.
The Nationals partnership deepens Fanatics’ presence in the DMV region, joining the Commanders, Wizards, Capitals, D.C. United and Orioles -- all served by a distribution center in nearby Aberdeen, Md.
