MLB franchise’s relocation gathers steam as commissioner backs $2.3bn plans

The Tampa Bay Rays’ proposed relocation has got the green light from MLB commissioner Rob Manfred.

Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, will return for the 2026 season after extensive repairs following the damage caused by Hurricane Milton.

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But the Rays see their long-term future in Tampa Bay and have identified a site at Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus.

Manfred hailed the new Tampa Bay ownership group led by Patrick Zalupski, Bill Cosgrove and Ken Babby for their work with the team.

“I think the most important point, and not only did I make it, but I think the other clubs said, (is that) the amount of progress that Patrick, Ken Babby and Bill have made in a really short period of time is absolutely phenomenal,” he said Thursday.

“I think people are pleased about the site. We described exactly where it’s at geographically, [so] really pleased with the site.

“[We’re] optimistic that we’re going to get a solution that’s good for the Rays in the Tampa Bay region and good for baseball, frankly.”

Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten was part of the committee that awarded Tampa Bay an expansion franchise in 1995.

“It seems like they are closer than ever, which is wonderful news for that organization, which deserves it, and for all the rest of baseball,” he said.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is also behind the project and Manfred told the Tampa Bay Times that the New York Yankees, whose spring training stadium Steinbrenner Field will likely be impacted, have no complaints.

The Yankees allowed the Rays to play at Steinbrenner Field in 2025 as The Trop was being repaired.

Hurdles still remain, not least over finances.

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The franchise has offered to front up half the cost plus the price of any overruns.

Hillsborough County, The City of Tampa and the state could all be involved in funding.

When will the Rays move into their new home?

A 2029 date is being proposed for opening with 31,000 seats planned in a design that some fans compared to a mini SoFi Stadium.

“I think we have been thrilled with the momentum in the community but still have an enormous amount of work ahead of us,” Babby said. “As I said a few weeks ago, we’re still in the early innings of our work, but very pleased with the community’s response.

“It’s a critical period for us now to be out in the community, and that’s exactly what we’re going to be. We were with the firefighters union this week, we’ll be with a number of other community groups, including police and other select organizations.

“We want to be out everywhere, talking about why, talking about community impact, talking about jobs, talking about the college.

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“This is really a generational moment, and we want the whole community to be able to be part of this process and decision.

“That comes by providing feedback, and we will actively listen and refine and build a plan that is a great public/ private partnership for everyone.”

Manfred has not set a timeline.

“I think everybody has been blown away by how much they’ve gotten done how fast, And I expect them to continue to keep their foot on the pedal. I really do,” he added.

Small-market teams have taken a hit after moving from regional networks to an MLB-led production.

Manfred is confident that it will be short-term pain for long-term gain.

“I think the RSN situation has an impact on our revenue growth, because the decline there is a drag on what is otherwise a growing industry. And it is true that the smaller markets have been hit harder than the larger markets, which impacts revenue sharing,” he told the Times.

“Having said both of those, I think longer term our content is inherently valuable. We deliver tons of eyeballs. And I think when we have an opportunity to get to market in 2028, we’re going to be just fine.”