In a significant moment for the future of baseball in Tampa Bay, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, Hillsborough College President Ken Atwater, and Rays CEO Ken Babby came together Tuesday to show unified support for a proposed new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays-right on the current Hillsborough College campus.
“Baseball belongs in Tampa Bay,” DeSantis said during the press conference. “Baseball can succeed in Tampa Bay.”
The message was clear: this wasn’t just another talking point in the long-running Rays stadium saga. This was a coordinated show of force from some of the most influential voices in both Florida politics and Major League Baseball, signaling a serious push to finally get a long-term solution done.
A Milestone in the Making
Commissioner Manfred’s presence at the event wasn’t just ceremonial-it was symbolic. MLB is backing this plan, and Manfred didn’t mince words about the stakes.
“Today is an important day,” he said. “It’s a milestone along a path that I believe will lead to the Tampa Bay Rays being a part of this community for decades to come.”
While he stopped short of calling this the franchise’s last shot to stay in the Tampa Bay area, Manfred made it clear that the window is closing. “Florida is vibrant, there are alternatives in Florida,” he said. “And I do think we’re at a point in the history of the club that something needs to get done.”
Translation: MLB wants this resolved-soon.
A Vision Beyond Baseball
Rays CEO Ken Babby, who’s been at the forefront of reshaping the franchise’s future, stressed that this project is about more than just building a ballpark.
“This is about building a stronger Tampa, a stronger region by reinvesting back in the community, and rejuvenating a college,” Babby said. “And creating a world-class, mixed-use development, and the future home of the Tampa Bay Rays.”
That vision includes transforming the Hillsborough College campus into a modern hub that blends education, community spaces, and a new home for the Rays. While renderings weren’t unveiled at the press conference, DeSantis confirmed they’ll be released in the coming days. For now, the focus was on showcasing the heavy hitters behind the project.
What Comes Next
The biggest question looming over the project remains: how will it be funded?
While Hillsborough College’s Board of Trustees recently gave unanimous approval to a memorandum of understanding, the financial roadmap still needs to be finalized. That includes presenting a detailed plan to local officials outlining how the stadium and surrounding development will be paid for.
When asked about state funding, DeSantis acknowledged that “deferred maintenance” funds currently earmarked for the existing campus could be redirected toward a new, reimagined facility. But he was firm in saying that no new state taxes would be required to fund the project.
A Shift in Tone
DeSantis’ vocal support for the Rays marks a notable shift from his previous stance. Back in 2022, he vetoed state funding for a proposed Rays spring training facility in Pasco County, citing his opposition to using taxpayer dollars for professional sports stadiums. That decision came shortly after the team’s previous ownership made a public statement against gun violence, partnering with Everytown for Gun Safety.
Now, with new ownership at the helm, the Governor is not only on board-he’s leading the charge.
The Bottom Line
This press conference wasn’t about blueprints or budget breakdowns-it was about momentum. For the first time in years, the Rays’ stadium effort feels like it has real backing from both the league and the state. And with the clock ticking on the franchise’s long-term future in Tampa Bay, that momentum couldn’t come at a more critical time.
The next step? Turning this show of unity into a concrete plan that local officials-and the public-can rally behind.
Because if this project is going to cross the finish line, it’s going to take more than big names and bold visions. It’s going to take a deal that works for everyone.