Tampa Bay Rays owner Stuart Sternberg talks with media prior to opening day against the Houston Astros at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images Kim Klement-Imagn Images

MLB Insider Expresses Skepticism Over Potential Sale Of Tampa Bay Rays

Originally posted on Tampa Bay Rays on SI
By Don Strouble | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 4:08 PM ET

The potential sale of the Tampa Bay Rays experienced a significant development Wednesday, but there are still more questions than answers, the biggest one being where the team will call home.

A report in Sportico indicates the Rays and a group led by Florida businessman Patrick Zalupski are in advanced talks over the sale of the team for $1.7 billion. As negotiations progress, MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal is skeptical about the organization's plans for a stadium.

"This seems to be a little bit more advanced, a little bit more serious than some of the other things that they've explored," Rosenthal said in an appearance on Foul Territory TV. "If they do get sold—and the reported price is $1.7 billion— where do they end up?

"I don't know that anyone expects them to end up in Saint Petersburg. Tampa would be the obvious possibility, maybe Orlando as a long shot," Rosenthal added. "The biggest questions, where do they play, how do they finance the stadium, what's it going to look like?"

"Where do they play? How do they finance the stadium? What's it going to look like?"@Ken_Rosenthal reacts to the Rays potentially being sold for $1.7 billion. pic.twitter.com/ppTlEsaueA
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) June 19, 2025

In the event of a successful sale, Zalupski will be the third owner of the Rays. A group led by Stuart Sternberg purchased the team from its original owner, Vince Naimoli, in 2004. Sternberg became the principal owner in 2005.

The Rays are currently 40-33 and will take on the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday night at 7:35 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Tampa Bay Rays on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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