BREAKING: Major League Baseball (MLB) Commissioner Rob Manfred has confirmed that the Tampa Bay Rays will initiate a new search for a ballpark site in the Tampa and St. Petersburg area following the team’s upcoming sale. This announcement comes amidst ongoing negotiations to sell the franchise to a group led by Patrick Zalupski.
The urgent update comes as current owner Stu Sternberg, who has been at the helm since 2005, seeks to finalize the sale, which could significantly alter the future of the team. “With new ownership, it’s a clean slate,” Manfred remarked at the Front Office Sports’ “Tuned In” event, emphasizing the need for the new group to build relationships and identify the best location for a new ballpark to ensure the franchise’s long-term success.
Currently, the Rays play their home games at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa while Tropicana Field undergoes repairs due to damage from Hurricane Milton in October. The Rays have struggled with attendance, often ranking among the lowest in MLB, and this transition period could be pivotal for revitalizing fan engagement.
Manfred pointed out that the situation in Tampa Bay holds “promising developments,” particularly with potential new ownership that has “huge, deep roots in Tampa.” The franchise has previously faced setbacks with multiple ballpark proposals, including plans for sites at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg (2007), Ybor City in Tampa (2018), and a recent proposal near the Trop in downtown St. Petersburg (2023), which was withdrawn due to the hurricane’s impact.
“The potential for a sale is a definite positive for the long-term future of the franchise,” Manfred stated, reinforcing MLB’s commitment to keeping the team in the area. He expressed hope for the Rays to return to Tropicana Field next year, labeling it a “great solution” compared to playing in a minor league park amidst Tampa’s challenging climate.
As part of MLB’s broader plans, the league has started construction on a new ballpark for the Oakland Athletics in Las Vegas, scheduled to open in 2028. Manfred underscored that the league might consider expanding from 30 to 32 teams once both the Rays and Athletics secure new stadiums, with realignment possibilities on the horizon.
In conclusion, the Rays’ future is poised for a significant shift. With impending ownership changes, the team’s trajectory in the Tampa Bay region may transform, providing new opportunities for fan engagement and community impact. Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops and the sale progresses.
