Washington Post rebuilds sports desk as Capitals value hits $2.5B

The timing mirrors a broader shift in how major metros view sports coverage. The Capitals are worth $2.5B, up 19% year-over-year under Ted Leonsis ownership. That valuation reflects a franchise generating real revenue and community engagement. A newspaper covering a $2.5B local asset with zero dedicated staff looked increasingly indefensible. The Post's decision to rebuild suggests sports journalism is back to being essential infrastructure, not optional cost.