Rays Owner Faces Pressure to Sell Amid Stadium Deal Uncertainty!

2025-03-10 12:05:25.64

Pressure is mounting on Tampa Bay Rays owner Stu Sternberg to sell the team, particularly as a proposed stadium deal in St. Petersburg faces uncertainty. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred and other owners are reportedly trying to convince Sternberg to sell, even threatening to reduce the Rays' revenue-sharing income as leverage. Several groups, including one led by former Yankees minority owner Joe Molloy and involving the DeBartolo family (owners of the San Francisco 49ers) and Tampa businessman Dan Doyle Jr., have expressed interest in purchasing the team. While Sternberg hasn't publicly indicated a willingness to sell, rumors are swirling. He has until the end of March to decide on the St. Petersburg stadium deal, which faces challenges including cost increases and funding disputes. Molloy's group is committed to keeping the team in St. Petersburg and continuing with the current stadium project. The Rays' situation is further complicated by Hurricane Idalia's damage to Tropicana Field, forcing them to play at a minor league facility this year.