MLB Pressures Rays Owner Stu Sternberg to Sell Team

Tampa Bay Rays owner Stu Sternberg is facing pressure from MLB commissioner Rob Manfred and several other owners to sell the team amid ongoing challenges, including the need for a new stadium after Tropicana Field was damaged by Hurricane Milton. Although a sale is not imminent, there are interested parties, such as the family of Edward DeBartolo Jr. and local businessman Dan Doyle Jr., looking to purchase the franchise. The Rays have been trying to secure a new stadium for 17 years, with a $1.3 billion proposal currently stalled due to funding disputes. If plans for a new ballpark are not finalized by a March 31 deadline, the team risks losing some of its revenue-sharing money. The Rays, who have historically struggled to attract fans, will play their home games at George M. Steinbrenner Field for the upcoming season. This situation adds to a tumultuous offseason for the franchise, which missed the playoffs last year for the first time since 2018.