Video above: What’s next for St. Pete after Rays pull stadium deal?
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Tampa Bay Rays are reportedly in the process of finding a new buyer for the team.
A report by Sportico cited multiple unnamed sources that the Rays were negotiating a deal to sell the team to a group led by home developer and UF Board of Trustees member, Patrick Zalupski of Ponte Vedra Beach.
In a statement to WFLA News Channel 8, the Rays confirmed the negotiations.
“The Tampa Bay Rays announced that the team has recently commenced exclusive discussions with a group led by Patrick Zalupski, Bill Cosgrove, Ken Babby and prominent Tampa Bay investors concerning a possible sale of the team. Neither the Rays nor the group will have further comment during the discussions.
This came after the Rays’ deal to build a new stadium at Tropicana Field and help redevelop the Gas Plant District fell through due to the damage caused by Hurricane Milton. During the hurricane, the current stadium’s roof was torn by high-speed winds that left devastation on the Rays’ home base.
As a result, the Rays moved to Steinbrenner Field in Tampa to play during the 2025 season.
This is a developing story. Stay up to date on the latest from News Channel 8 on-air and on the go with the free WFLA News Channel 8 mobile app.
