State announces non-binding ‘memorandum of understanding’ with Orioles, but not a lease

The Orioles and representatives of Gov. Wes Moore said Friday they have reached agreement on a non-binding “memorandum of understanding” — but not a lease — to keep the Orioles committed to Camden Yard for 30 years.

While representatives from the governor’s office and the team proclaimed Thursday night that there was a 30-year agreement, they acknowledged during a Friday morning briefing that no lease has been signed. And they said an extension of the current lease for at least a year or two may be needed because both sides have not agreed to final terms yet.

Under the memorandum, the Orioles would cease paying rent to the state for Camden Yards but would assume responsibility for stadium operations and management.

The memorandum, which calls for a 30-year commitment, is not a legally binding document.

The details, in a briefing with reporters, followed an announcement to fans during Thursday night’s Orioles game about a lease agreement.

“Earlier today, the Orioles, Governor Wes Moore and the State of Maryland, and the Maryland Stadium Authority agreed to a deal that will keep the Orioles in Baltimore and at Camden Yards for at least the next 30 years!!” the announcement said.

Moore and Orioles Chairman and CEO John Angelos were then shown together on the video board.

It’s unclear why the parties announced the 30-year deal publicly when it’s uncertain when a lease agreement will be reached. Both parties said Friday they would work diligently to sign a lease before the end of the year.

The Orioles lease was originally to expire at the end of 2021. In February of that year, the stadium authority and the club agreed on a two-year extension to expire at the end of this year.

On Jan. 31 of this year, Angelos floated an alternative proposal to Moore for another two-year lease extension. But the stadium authority balked at the request “because nobody understood why we couldn’t get a lease done in the remaining months before Dec. 31,” former stadium authority Tom Kelso said in an interview.

This article will be updated.

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