Rays get boost from Gov. DeSantis, and Commissioner Manfred

The Tampa Bay Rays just wrapped one of the most consequential weeks in franchise history. Stadium momentum surged, political support solidified, and the team finalized a groundbreaking move to MLB.TV—all within days. For a franchise long defined by uncertainty, the past week signaled a dramatic shift toward stability and ambition.

Gov. Ron DeSantis and MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred publicly endorsed the proposed new stadium on the Hillsborough Community College Dale Mabry campus, calling the site a viable long‑term home for the Rays. Their backing came as the Hillsborough County Commission unanimously voted Wednesday to advance discussions with the team’s new ownership group.

County Commission signals real progress

Commission Chairman Ken Hagan briefed commissioners on the status of talks, emphasizing that while momentum is real, negotiations remain in early stages.

“There have not been any formal negotiations up to this point,” Hagan said. “While significant progress has been made over the last couple of months, we have a long way to go.”

Hagan noted that working with the new ownership group feels different. “Unlike the previous ownership group, the team has a sense of urgency in order to meet their 2029 goal. Candidly, their goal is quite ambitious.”

Commissioner Joshua Wostal reiterated his opposition to using Community Investment Tax funds for stadium construction, arguing that doing so could jeopardize commitments to fire stations and public safety. Hagan countered that C.I.T. funds will likely be necessary to complete a workable deal.

Commissioner Harry Cohen said public opinion is sharply divided. “I have heard the full gamut,” he said. “Some say not a dime of public money should be spent. Others say you need to do this at any cost.”

Cohen also warned that MLB expansion is coming, and cities like Raleigh, Charlotte, and Salt Lake City will aggressively compete. He estimated expansion fees could reach $2 billion, underscoring the stakes for Tampa Bay.

Hagan expects a framework for a deal within 90 days.

MLB.TV deal adds to the momentum

As stadium talks accelerated, the Rays also finalized a major broadcast shift: moving their games to MLB.TV starting in just weeks. The deal gives the franchise a modern, statewide streaming footprint and ends years of uncertainty following the collapse of regional sports networks.

A new era taking shape

Between political backing, county action, and a transformative media deal, the Rays’ new ownership group is generating real momentum. For the first time in years, Tampa Bay feels closer than ever to securing a long‑term home and a sustainable future.