Rays begin ‘exclusive discussions' to possibly sell team to group led by Florida developer
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.
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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.'
Video above: What's next for St. Pete after Rays pull stadium deal?
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.
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As a result, the Rays moved to Steinbrenner Field in Tampa to play during the 2025 season.
According to St. Petersburg and county spokespeople, the Rays did not speak to them about the sale.
'It definitely appears that if the sale goes through that the Rays will be in Tampa Bay for the long term,' said Pinellas County Commissioner Chris Latvala. 'Today is definitely a good day for Rays fans.'
Latvala admits to being critical of the current Rays ownership because of how Latvala said they conducted themselves after the hurricane and who they blamed and what they were trying to get after the hurricane. He says it's all in the past now.
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'But I think also there should be credit to Mr. Sternberg for, you know, if he goes through with the sale, and selling the team to folks that will keep it in Tampa Bay,' Latvala said.
Fans at Steinbrenner Field Wednesday said they don't want to see the team leave the area.
'The best move is to build a new stadium in Tampa where we feel like people will come,' said Dori Simpson, a Rays fan.
Latvala said he would be open to revising a stadium deal with new owners.
'I think it's really up to the new owners where they want the stadium,' Latvala said. 'From what I've heard, it's probably on the Tampa side. I don't want to speak for them.'
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He said he would ask whoever became the new owners to care about the Tampa Bay community.
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.
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