MLB Pushes Tampa Bay Rays Owner to Sell Amid Financial and Stadium Challenges
Commissioner Rob Manfred and team owners cite revenue-sharing strain and stalled stadium progress as reasons for pressuring Stuart Sternberg to sell the franchise.
- The Tampa Bay Rays face financial difficulties, relying heavily on MLB's revenue-sharing system, with $60 million received annually from other teams.
- Owner Stuart Sternberg is under pressure from MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and other owners to sell the team, citing financial instability and lack of stadium progress.
- Hurricane Milton severely damaged Tropicana Field, forcing the Rays to play their 2025 home games at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.
- Negotiations for a new stadium in St. Petersburg have stalled, with a March 31 deadline looming for meeting commitments on a proposed deal.
- Potential buyers, including local businessmen and investor groups, have expressed interest, with MLB preferring the team to remain in Florida rather than relocate.
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