In a significant development for older sports fans, the Washington Nationals have agreed to pay $3 million to resolve an age discrimination lawsuit that alleged unfair ticket pricing. This Washington Nationals age discrimination class action lawsuit claimed that the team offered exclusive “Millennial” or “Young Professional” ticket discounts only to fans under 40, violating the D.C. Human Rights Act. With this settlement, fans who were over 40 and paid more for tickets during the 2023–2024 MLB seasons may now be eligible for cash refunds or ticket credits.
This case has drawn attention alongside other age-based discrimination settlements and highlights how promotions must comply with anti-discrimination laws. Similar to cases we’ve covered like the Torrid discount class action settlement and the Mattress Firm false discount case, this settlement underscores the importance of equal access to consumer benefits.
Table of Contents
- Background of the Washington Nationals Age Discrimination Class Action
- Why Was the Lawsuit Filed?
- Who Qualifies for the Settlement?
- What Compensation Is Available?
- How to File a Claim
- Important Dates and Deadlines
- Impact on Future Promotions and Fan Rights
- Conclusion
Background of the Washington Nationals Age Discrimination Class Action
The lawsuit, filed in 2024, alleged that the Washington Nationals Baseball Club LLC discriminated against older fans by refusing to extend discounted ticket prices to them solely based on their age. The complaint argued that such age-based exclusions violated the D.C. Human Rights Act, which protects individuals from discrimination in public accommodations.
The Nationals launched promotions marketed as “Millennial Mondays” and “Young Professionals Discounts,” which offered discounted tickets for select games. However, these promotions were only accessible to individuals under the age of 40. Fans who were 40 or older were denied the discount, even if they met all other purchasing criteria.
Why Was the Lawsuit Filed?
The core issue in the Washington Nationals age discrimination class action was that the ticket discount violated laws meant to protect consumers from age-based discrimination. The D.C. Human Rights Act specifically prohibits businesses from treating people differently based on age in areas of public accommodation.
Fans over the age of 40 who paid full price for tickets that would have been discounted for younger attendees felt wronged. Many voiced concerns that age should not be a factor in accessing promotional deals. The lawsuit gained momentum and eventually led the Nationals to settle the case without admitting any wrongdoing.
Who Qualifies for the Settlement?
You may be eligible for compensation if you:
- Purchased a single-game ticket for a Washington Nationals home game between March 29, 2023, and March 28, 2024
- Were 40 years of age or older at the time of purchase
- Bought your ticket directly from the Nationals via their website, phone, or box office
- Would have qualified for the “Millennial” or “Young Professional Discount” if you were under 40
- Suffered actual financial damages greater than zero
If you meet these criteria, you may be entitled to a cash refund or a ticket credit.
What Compensation Is Available?
Class members can choose between two types of compensation:
- Cash Payment
- 62.2% of your actual ticket price damages
- Example: If you overpaid by $20, you’d receive $12.44
- Ticket Credit
- Redeemable for a Nationals home game within 12 months of issue
- Example: If your actual damages were $20, you’d receive a $40 ticket credit
No proof of purchase is required beyond your MLB.com account email address.
How to File a Claim
To receive compensation:
- Visit the official settlement site: NatsDiscountTicketSettlement.com
- Submit a valid claim form
- Provide your MLB.com account email address
Deadline to file a claim: December 9, 2025 (or 90 days after the final approval date)
Need help? See our guide on how to file a class action claim.
Important Dates and Deadlines
- Exclusion/Objection Deadline: August 7, 2025
- Final Approval Hearing: September 10, 2025
- Claim Form Submission Deadline: December 9, 2025
Don’t miss these important dates. Visit our open settlements page to track other claims you may qualify for.
Impact on Future Promotions and Fan Rights
This case serves as a strong reminder that promotional discounts must be inclusive. Moving forward, the Washington Nationals—and possibly other MLB teams—may need to revisit how they structure discounts to ensure compliance with anti-discrimination laws.
The outcome may also encourage other fans to speak up when they feel excluded from promotions or pricing policies based on age, race, or gender.
For similar stories, read our coverage of the Disney gender discrimination case and QuoteWizard TCPA violation settlement.
Conclusion
The Washington Nationals age discrimination class action settlement is a significant step forward for consumer rights and equality in sports marketing. If you were over 40 and denied access to ticket discounts between March 2023 and March 2024, now is the time to act.
Be sure to submit your claim by December 9, 2025, to receive compensation. Whether you prefer a cash refund or ticket credit, your voice matters.
Stay updated on similar cases by subscribing to the Sparrow class action blog.
Ready to take action? Submit your claim here and ensure your rights are recognized.
