The Brief A deal has been reached in principle to sell the Tampa Bay Rays to a group led by developer Patrick Zalupski, according to The Athletic . It's not clear where the Rays could play beyond the 2028 season, although MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has expressed his desire for the team to remain in the Tampa Bay area. The Tampa Bay Rays' $1.7 billion sale to a group led by a Jacksonville-based developer could become official by September, with the two sides agreeing in principle to a deal, according to a report published by The Athletic. Tampa Bay Rays owner Stu Sternberg speaks after St. Pete City Council approved a project including a new ballpark for the team on July 18, 2024. As of Tuesday morning, neither the Rays nor Zalpuski’s group has commented on the latest report regarding the potential sale.