The Brief Major League Baseball owners have approved the sale of the Tampa Bay Rays to a group led by Dream Finders Homes President and CEO Patrick Zalupski. MLB expects the team's new owners to search for a ballpark site in the Tampa Bay area. The sale of the Tampa Bay Rays to a group led by a Jacksonville-based developer took a big step forward on Monday, with Major League Baseball owners unanimously approving the transfer of the franchise. PREVIOUS: Tampa Bay Rays in talks to sell team, officials confirmThe future of the Rays in the Tampa Bay area has been in question for years. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has previously stated his desire for the Rays to remain in the Tampa Bay area.