• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 18, 2025

Amid Rays Stadium Turmoil, Sternberg Faces Wide Pressure to Sell

Just a few months ago, a major lobbying push from MLB commissioner Rob Manfred helped seal the Rays stadium deal. Now, the club might walk away from that agreement, and the fallout is heightening. 

Kim Klement-Imagn Images

The hits just keep coming for the embattled Rays, with club owner Stu Sternberg now reportedly under league pressure to sell the franchise. 

The Athletic reported that Sternberg is being pressed by MLB commissioner Rob Manfred and a group of other owners to sell the Rays. The news arrives three weeks before the club is due to meet certain obligations that will release $600 million in public bond funds for a planned $1.3 billion stadium in St. Petersburg, Fla. 

That public funding arrived after a sizable lobbying push late last year by Manfred, who traveled to Florida and met personally with numerous local officials. Sternberg and other Rays leaders, however, are objecting to additional costs that are entering the ballpark plan. Those expenses are the responsibility of the team, but the Rays’ claims are primarily the result of delays by the city and, particularly, by Pinellas County in approving the bonds. 

It remains quite possible that Sternberg and the Rays will walk away from the stadium deal—to the point that St. Petersburg leaders have already said they are prepared to move on without the club. Both county and city officials have shown no willingness to supply more money to the Rays, and have repeatedly insisted they have met their obligations in the ballpark deal. 

“It is no accident this got leaked how and when it did,” said Pinellas County commissioner Chris Latvala about Sternberg in a social media post. “And there should be no question what side MLB is on. Stu is on an island and has been for a few months.”

Sternberg and the Rays have not substantively responded to the report, telling The Athletic, “I’m interested to read about what industry partners have told you about our franchise and its future.”

Other Suitors

Amid the issues for Sternberg and the Rays, several potential bidders have circled the situation and are signaling their interest in the club. Former Yankees managing general partner Joe Molloy has mounted an effort to buy the Rays, and said he intends to maintain the St. Petersburg ballpark deal.

“The team has plans to stay in St. Petersburg, and we are fully committed to building on the great work that the city and county have already accomplished,” Molloy told the Tampa Bay Times.

Other groups are also said to be interested in the Rays, including one led by Tampa businessman and former Rays suitor Dan Doyle Jr.

In the meantime, the Rays are also wrestling with their temporary stay at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, the spring training home of the Yankees, and repairs to the hurricane-damaged Tropicana Field.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

$3.8 Billion Commanders Stadium Deal Approved Despite Late Drama

A decisive final vote on the stadium followed some last-minute snags.

MLB, NBC Leaders Say Broadcast TV Still Matters in Streaming Era

The network and league tout the forthcoming rights deal.
Sep 10, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first base Bryce Harper (3) watches his ball clear the wall for a home run against the New York Mets during the seventh inning at Citizens Bank Park

Rob Manfred Says Any Talk of MLB Salary Cap Is Premature

“No decisions” have been made regarding an MLB salary cap.

Manfred Says New MLB Rights Deal ‘Replicated’ Money From ESPN Opt-Out

Rob Manfred spoke at the Front Office Sports Tuned In summit.

Featured Today

Business Is Booming for WNBA’s Top Beauty Pros

A network of stylists is shaping how players look, feel, and perform.
Premier Lacrosse League
September 14, 2025

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
Apr 11, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Rayan Rupert (21) shoots a jump shot during the second half against Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody (4) at Moda Center.

Trail Blazers Sale and Ownership Group Finalized, Now Awaiting NBA Approval

Dundon’s ownership group also includes the founders of Panda Express.
Valkyries
September 15, 2025

Valkyries Will Try to Remake Ballhalla 50 Miles Away

Golden State will try to stave off elimination in an unfamiliar environment.
September 15, 2025

Warriors $75M Pitch Fails to Sway Kuminga As Season Looms

Kuminga and his representatives want a long-term deal.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Sep 8, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22) runs to first base during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.
September 12, 2025

The $339 Million Mets Are in Jeopardy of Missing the Playoffs

The Mets’ wild-card lead is 1.5 games with 15 remaining in the regular season.
Sep 10, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Sun forward Aaliyah Edwards (8) fights to keep the ball in-bounds during the second half against the Atlanta Dream at Mohegan Sun Arena.
September 12, 2025

Connecticut AG Demands Documents From WNBA About Sun Sale Process

The WNBA reportedly prefers to move the team to Houston.
Mar 3, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) warms up prior to the game against the Washington Wizards at Kaseya Center.
September 11, 2025

Hornets Cancel Sports Betting Night Vs. Heat Over Terry Rozier Tie-In

Terry Rozier is under federal investigation for point-shaving in a 2023 game when he was on the Hornets.
May 3, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) controls the ball in the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets during game seven of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena.
September 11, 2025

Clippers Minority Owner Allegedly Invested in Aspiration to Pay Kawhi

Minority investor Dennis Wong allegedly invested in Aspiration as well.