MLB commissioner puts pressure on Rays owner Stu Sternberg to sell team: Report

Tampa Bay Rays owner Stu Sternberg is coming under mounting pressure from Major League Baseball (MLB) Commissioner Rob Manfred and fellow owners to sell the team. The mounting tensions are a result of continued struggles in securing a new stadium and recent frustrations brought about by natural disasters.

Issues in the stadium and the effect of the hurricane

Stu Sternberg's tenure since 2005 has been characterized by ongoing efforts to replace the Rays' current stadium, Tropicana Field. It had taken almost two decades and a number of failed proposals. It all came undone in October of 2024 when Hurricane Milton ravaged Tropicana Field to the extent that it could no longer be utilized to play. As a temporary solution, the Rays made arrangements for playing their 2025 home games at Tampa's stadium.


The proposed $1.3 billion St. Petersburg stadium has been dramatically stalled. The public financing aspect of a $312.5 million Pinellas County bond has been put on hold, and progress stalled as a result. Controversies surround the added costs and timelines, with the Rays suggesting the stadium may not be completed until 2029, making the future of the franchise in the area even more uncertain.

Pressure from MLB and possible ownership shift

Commissioner Manfred himself has also been angry with the standoff. In December of 2024, he met with local officials to try to resolve the standoff, once again echoing MLB's desire to keep the Rays in Tampa Bay. But he again emphasized the standoff must be broken earlier to introduce stability for the team.

Groups with strong Florida ties, including the DeBartolo family, former San Francisco 49ers owners, and Tampa businessman Dan Doyle Jr., have all expressed interest in buying the team. Former New York Yankees minority owner Joe Molloy has also been reported to be part of these talks.

Apart from the public pressure from MLB leaders, there are economic implications for the team's financial outlook. There has been a threat of abolishing the Rays' revenue-sharing payments unless a clear proposal for a new stadium is put forth. When March 2025 is over, the clock ticks towards a highly important deadline. Stu Sternberg has to fulfill his commitment with the new stadium bid.

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