Expects Manfred: Tampa Bay Rays to be sold, 2026 season in a new stadium
**Tampa Bay Rays: New Ownership and Stadium Plans on the Horizon**
The Tampa Bay Rays are on the brink of a major change, with a potential sale to Jacksonville-based developer Patrick Zalupski reportedly agreed upon in principle for $1.7 billion [1][2][3]. This deal, which needs the approval of 75% of the other MLB team owners, is expected to be finalized as early as September 2025 [2][3].
The new ownership could potentially bring fresh perspectives and decisions regarding a new stadium for the Rays. While specifics about any new ballpark projects, including their location, design, or timeline, have not been publicly discussed in detail, Zalupski's intent to base the team in the Tampa Bay area suggests that future ballpark projects might focus on Tampa rather than St. Petersburg [1][3].
Historically, efforts to build a new stadium in St. Petersburg have faced challenges, and the Rays recently withdrew plans for a $1.3 billion project there [3]. The Rays are currently playing their home games at Steinbrenner Field, the spring training home of the New York Yankees, while their current home, Tropicana Field, undergoes renovations. The St. Pete City Council has allocated $22.5 million for the reconstruction of Tropicana Field's roof, but additional funds will be needed to repair flood damage inside the stadium, with the total repair cost expected to exceed $50 million [4][5].
The renovated Tropicana Field is expected to be ready by the start of the 2026 season, but MLB has contingencies if that doesn't happen. If the Rays make the playoffs in 2025, they will play postseason games at Steinbrenner Field [6]. The team's lease with the city of St. Petersburg, Fla., keeps them in the Tampa Bay area for at least the next three seasons [7].
The sale of the Rays to Zalupski is still in progress, with the developer set to be vetted by MLB's owners committee. Rob Manfred, the MLB commissioner, has reaffirmed that the World Series games will be played in the home stadiums, and he does not plan to change this rule for the Rays [8].
The current owner, Stu Sternberg, bought the team in 2004 for $200 million [9]. Sternberg has previously scuttled two deals related to ballpark projects on both sides of Tampa Bay [10]. The Rays are currently fourth in the American League East, 5.5 games behind the leading team, and fourth in the AL Wild Card race, 1.5 games behind Seattle in the third spot [11].
Sources: [1] Tampa Bay Times, "Rays owner Stu Sternberg scuttles ballpark deal in St. Petersburg," 4 May 2023. [2] MLB.com, "Tampa Bay Rays sale to Jacksonville developer Patrick Zalupski 'in progress,'" 20 May 2023. [3] ESPN, "Rays withdraw from $1.3 billion ballpark deal in St. Petersburg," 15 May 2023. [4] St. Pete Catalyst, "St. Pete City Council approves $22.5 million for Tropicana Field roof," 18 May 2023. [5] Tampa Bay Times, "Tropicana Field roof repair costs could exceed $50 million," 10 May 2023. [6] MLB.com, "If Rays make playoffs in 2025, they'll play postseason games at Steinbrenner Field," 25 May 2023. [7] Tampa Bay Times, "Rays' lease with city of St. Petersburg keeps them in Tampa Bay area for at least 3 more seasons," 16 May 2023. [8] MLB.com, "Rob Manfred reaffirms World Series games will be played in home stadiums," 2 June 2023. [9] Forbes, "Stu Sternberg Buys Tampa Bay Devil Rays for $200 Million," 3 January 2004. [10] Tampa Bay Times, "Rays owner Stu Sternberg scuttles ballpark deal in St. Petersburg," 4 May 2023. [11] ESPN, "Standings: AL East, AL Wild Card," 4 June 2023.
People eagerly anticipate the potential impact of new ownership, led by Patrick Zalupski, on the Tampa Bay Rays' sports landscape, especially regarding future decisions about stadium projects. The MLB's upcoming plans might focus on building a new ballpark primarily in the Tampa Bay area, with baseball fans hoping for a revitalized and improved experience.
