Tampa Bay Rays Facing Critical Juncture as Stadium Deal Lingers
PALM BEACH — Tampa Bay’s MLB franchise was born in a conference room at the lavish Breakers hotel 30 years ago next month. Commissioner Bud Selig made the formal expansion announcement, and original owner Vince Naimoli proudly unveiled the Devil Rays jersey.
The future never looked so bright.
Current owner Stuart Sternberg stood in the lobby of the same historic resort late Wednesday afternoon during a break in the MLB owners meetings and acknowledged that his stewardship of the team, which is entering its 20th season, is at a critical juncture. There is uncertainty on several fronts, tied to the most significant: whether he decides the team will proceed with its deal to build a new stadium in downtown St. Petersburg or pull out by the March 31 deadline.
The future never looked so cloudy.
“Definitely,” Sternberg said. “I think that’s pretty clear. Which is why … I lose sleep over it. I’m trying. I know whatever decision I’ll make, I’ll be able to look in the mirror and put my head down on the pillow and know that I can live with myself with it.”
Will Stuart Sternberg Sell the Team?
Among many potential solutions would be for Sternberg to sell the team and let a new owner decide the future path. But as of now Sternberg said he is not looking to sell or actively engaged in any talks to do so.
“If it was (for sale), people would kn ow it,” Sternberg said. “I’ve always been, and I will continue to be, pretty transparent about our intentions. And pretty — not pretty — but very honest about them. And I have been. That has not necessarily served us well for the last three to four months (in the stadium discourse) but that is who I am, and will continue that way.”
Stadium Deal Uncertainty
Sternberg said those talks, to add investors and private equity, were paused as the stadium bond votes were delayed and could easily be rekindled if they get “a significant thumbs up” to go ahead with the deal. The Rays thrust the stadium deal into question by saying delays in approving the bonds to fund the city and county portions forced the team to push back the construction timeline to 2029 and incur significant additional cost of around $150 million that they “cannot absorb” alone.
What’s Next for the Tampa Bay Rays?
Though the stadium deal deadline is March 31 — three days after the Rays’ season opener — Sternberg said he may be in a position to discuss the situation in further detail during spring training, which begins next week in Port Charlotte. As if uncertainty over the team’s long-term home wasn’t a big enough issue, the Rays also are waiting to see how the city’s plan unfolds to repair hurricane-damaged Tropicana Field for the start of the 2026 season, at an estimated cost of $56 million.
Conclusion
The future of the Tampa Bay Rays hangs in the balance as critical decisions about the team’s stadium and ownership are on the horizon. Stay tuned for updates as the franchise navigates these challenges.
FAQs
Q: Will Stuart Sternberg sell the Tampa Bay Rays?
A: As of now, Sternberg has stated that he is not looking to sell the team.
Q: What is the status of the Rays’ stadium deal?
A: Delays in approving the bonds have caused uncertainty, with the team facing a deadline to decide on proceeding with the new stadium.
Q: What happens if the repairs to Tropicana Field are not completed in time?
A: The Rays may need to find an interim home, with options including returning to Tampa’s Steinbrenner Field or using the Phillies’ spring stadium in Clearwater.
