Report: Manfred, some MLB owners pushing for Rays sale

Tampa Bay Rays owner Stuart Sternberg is being pressured to sell the team by MLB commissioner Rob Manfred and some other owners, people briefed on the conversations told Evan Drellich of The Athletic.

A sale is not currently close to happening, Drellich adds.

The family of Edward DeBartolo Jr., which has roots in Tampa and owns the San Francisco 49ers, is one of several groups that has expressed interest in buying the team, Drellich reports. Joe Molloy, the former minority of the New York Yankees, is also involved in that effort.

"I'm leading a group of prominent Tampa Bay-based investors who are interested in acquiring the Tampa Bay Rays. We have assembled an incredible team that shares our vision," Molloy said, according to Mark Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.

"What I can say now is this: The team has plans to stay in St. Petersburg, and we are fully committed to building on the great work that the city and county have already accomplished. We are incredibly excited about this opportunity, and that's all I can share at this time."

Dan Doyle Jr., who reportedly pulled out of an attempt to buy the Rays in 2023, is part of a separate interested group, Drelilich adds.

St. Petersburg City Council chairperson Copley Gerdes is aware of the interest from Molloy's group.

"If the Rays are for sale, then I think the group they have assembled is capable and has the means to continue the legacy of Major League Baseball in St. Pete," Gerdes said, per Topkin. "I'm a fan of anybody interested in St. Pete and willing to bet on St. Pete."

MLB wants to keep the Rays in Florida but could press Sternberg into a long-term decision regarding a sale or new stadium by taking away some of the team's revenue-sharing money, Drellich reports.

Manfred could also apply pressure by lessening or eliminating how much money the Rays receive through the commissioner's discretionary fund and the commissioner's supplemental discretionary fund.

Further complicating matters is that the current collective bargaining agreement expires at the end of 2026. A new one could potentially bring with it significant changes to the league's revenue-sharing system.

"I'm interested to read about what industry partners have told you about our franchise and its future," Sternberg told Drellich. The executive didn't confirm whether or not he is being pressured by Manfred and Co. to sell the franchise.

Sternberg must meet several obligations by March 31st if the proposed deal for a new stadium in St. Petersburg is to move forward.

Tropicana Field, the current home of the Rays, suffered extensive damage last fall due to Hurricane Milton. Tampa Bay is set to play all of its 2025 home games at a minor-league park owned by the New York Yankees.