"Carlyle Group's David Rubenstein to Lead $1.7 Billion Purchase of Baltimore Orioles"

Baltimore native David Rubenstein, co-founder of the Carlyle Group, is close to acquiring a 40 percent stake in the Orioles for $1.7 billion, with an option to buy the rest later. The deal, pending MLB approval, includes investors like Michael Arougheti and Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr. Rubenstein would become the team's "control person," potentially impacting the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network's broadcasting rights. The Orioles' current ownership has never indicated interest in surrendering their unique television rights to two franchises.