A group based in Tampa has revealed its interest in acquiring the Tampa Bay Rays, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Leading this effort is Tampa businessman Joe Molloy, who aims to purchase the team and move forward with the proposed stadium deal in St. Petersburg, which remains available.

The current ownership of the Rays has until March 31 to make a decision regarding the stadium agreement. While team owner Stu Sternberg has not indicated plans to sell, speculation about a potential sale continues.

Molloy issued a statement to the Times, declaring, “I’m heading a team of prominent Tampa Bay investors committed to acquiring the Tampa Bay Rays. We’ve put together an exceptional group that aligns with our shared vision.”

With a decade of experience as an executive for the New York Yankees, Molloy brings substantial baseball expertise to the table. However, he declined to disclose the identities of his partners, citing non-disclosure agreements signed by all involved.

City officials in St. Petersburg confirmed their awareness of this new group’s interest, along with rumors of another group considering a purchase and potential relocation of the team to Tampa.

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(Image credit: Hines-Rays)

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