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The Tampa Bay Rays made a major announcement about their future in St. Petersburg on Thursday, casting doubt on their future in the only city they've called home.
Rays owner Stuart Sternberg reportedly called St. Petersburg mayor Ken Welch to inform him that he will not meet the March 31 deadline to move forward with a stadium deal.
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The team subsequently released a statement from Sternberg confirming their stadium deal in the Historic Gas Plant District of St. Petersburg is effectively dead.
"After careful deliberation, we have concluded we cannot move forward with the new ballpark and development project at this moment," the statement read. "A series of events beginning in October that no one could have anticipated led to this difficult decision.
In gratitude for the continued support from our fans and community. pic.twitter.com/vVGHn6nrAA
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) March 13, 2025
"Our commitment to the vitality and success of the Rays organization is unwavering. We continue to focus on finding a ballpark solution that serves the best interests of our region, Major League Baseball, and our organization.
"The City of St. Petersburg is currently advancing plans to restore Tropicana Field for the 2026 season. We are thankful for their efforts and are excited to return to our home field next spring."
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The City of St. Petersburg and Pinellas County last summer approved public funding for a new baseball stadium, residences, shops, restaurants, offices, and museum.
However, subsequent project approvals were delayed by legislators after Hurricane Milton ripped through Tropicana Field, the Rays' current home, destroying its roof and rendering it unplayable for the immediate future. The Rays faced a March 31 deadline to meet several stipulations to release the public funds.
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The Rays will play their home games this season at Tampa's George Steinbrenner Field, home of the Yankees' Single-A affiliate. However, their long-term future is clouded with doubt.
MLB released a statement Thursday in re-affirming the league's desire to keep the team in the Tampa Bay region.
Statement from MLB on #Rays decision to not proceed with St. Pete stadium:
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) March 13, 2025
“Major League Baseball remains committed to finding a permanent home for the Club in the Tampa Bay region for their fans and the local community. Commissioner Manfred understands the disappointment of…
"Major League Baseball remains committed to finding a permanent home for the Club in the Tampa Bay region for their fans and the local community," the statement read. "Commissioner Manfred understands the disappointment of the St. Petersburg community from today's announcement, but he will continue to work with elected officials, community leaders, and Rays officials to secure the club's future in the Tampa Bay region."
But after years of failing to find a suitable home to replace Tropicana Field, the latest setback could represent the final blow for the beleaguered franchise in the region.
Recently a group of investors including Hall of Famer Barry Larkin has pushed Orlando, about 80 miles east of Tampa, as a possible relocation site.
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About the writer
J.P. Hoornstra writes and edits Major League Baseball content. A veteran of 20 years of sports coverage for daily newspapers ... Read more