Imagine a ship tossed about in a raging sea, its sails shredded, its hull battered, its crew fighting to stay afloat. And that is the Rays at the moment, facing a constant barrage of adversities that might ultimately doom their wish to stay in Tampa Bay.
The Tampa Bay Rays and owner Stu Sternberg have been under significant pressure. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred and opposing team owners apparently pushing Sternberg to sell the franchise. This pressure comes from several factors, but the most prominent are the team’s lack of money and the ongoing stadium saga.
The Rays have consistently ranked among the lowest in MLB in terms of attendance and revenue, making them heavily reliant on revenue sharing from other teams. This financial peril has led some owners to worry about the Rays as a perceived “drain on the current revenue sharing system.”
Adding to the complexity, the stadium situation for the Rays has been a chronic problem. Tropicana Field has been widely criticized as out of date and a less-than-ideal location. A new stadium is long overdue, especially since Hurricane Milton has torn through Tropicana Field, forcing the Rays to relocate to George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa for the 2025 season.
Former MLB pitcher Dallas Braden, captured it perfectly when he called it a “tarnished situation and a tarnished brand.” Rays have their stadium issues and their financial woes. And new ownership would certainly be a way to introduce some much-needed financial stability into that club. Sternberg’s pressure to sell seems to arise from an increasing feeling among MLB owners. They think that the Rays represent a drag on the current revenue sharing system. Braden commented, “but lots of other teams are upset that they’re just kind of a drain on the whole situation.”
The Rays’ uncertain future: exploring the options
While both the Oakland A‘s and the Tampa Bay Rays face stadium woes, their situations differ significantly. The A’s move to Las Vegas was motivated by owner John Fisher’s appetite for a richer market. Beyond location, MLB also believes the Florida market is the more valuable of the two. And as a result, is less inclined to give the Rays the green light for a move.
The Rays’ future hangs in the balance, with several potential outcomes on the horizon. One of them is Sternberg sells the team. That seems to be the preferred option of MLB commissioner Rob Manfred and some owners. Possible buyers include the DeBartolo family, former Yankees minority owner Joe Molloy and Tampa businessman Dan Doyle Jr.
Another option is the Rays remain in St. Petersburg. That would entail Sternberg getting a consensus from local officials about the new stadium deal. But due to the strained relationship between the two sides, this scenario is probably a longshot.
And there’s another possibility for the Rays’ relocation. Although MLB wants the team to remain in Florida, it can move to another city if the Tampa Bay Rays can not secure a proper agreement. Orlando and Nashville are possible locations. Orlando has also become a popular contender, with the Orlando Dreamers group already working to bring MLB to the city.
The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining the fate of the franchise. What do you think?
The post “Draining the Whole Situation” – Rays Owner’s Financial Struggles Laid Bare Amid Rob Manfred’s Pressure Allegations appeared first on EssentiallySports.